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AUBURN – The city’s first futsal court has been completed in Chestnut “Gully” Park.
Futsal is a version of soccer played on a court (indoor or outdoor) with fewer players and a smaller, weighted ball. The new court will help serve the growing demand for soccer-related programs in the area, along with providing a familiar activity to the growing New Mainer population.
The city partnered with MUSCO Sports Lighting and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to install a 104’ x 96’ surface that offers a double court playing area.The court surface is similar to an outdoor basketball court, with an asphalt base and acrylic surface that will include lines and logos of partners (to be painted in the spring). The courts come as a modular system, complete with lighting, fencing, goals, benches, ADA-compliant access and lockable storage.
“It was important for us to find additional support to secure two courts due to the city’s high demand for space to play soccer,” said Recreation Director Sabrina Best. She said the courts are already getting a lot of use.
The project was funded in part with a $20,000 grant from MUSCO Sports Lighting and U.S. Soccer Foundation and $47,000 from Soccer Maine, which helped fund a double court system. The city also used CIP money for the project.
Auburn teacher Todd Whitcomb – also from Soccer Maine – has been organizing a soccer skills and drills program at the Auburn PAL Center for several years. Whitcomb partnered with the Yarmouth Colts girls’ travel soccer program to secure a $10,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods to help pay for equipment for local kids.
“There are items that are needed to play the sport which are often too much of an expense for families, such as cleats, shin guards, sports bras, sport Hijabs, etc. This grant will be able to fund those,” Best said.
Another benefit of the new futsal court: it can be used as an outdoor ice rink this winter. he city will host a grand opening ceremony in the spring, once the court’s acrylic surface and logos are painted. Soccer clinics and games will follow.
For more information, contact Best at sbest@auburnmaine.gov or 207-333-6611.
