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League To Debut 7-Field Soccer Facility

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2008

RIVERVIEW - RIVERVIEW - When the players in one of South Shore's biggest soccer leagues begin play for the fall season, they will do so in a new state-of-the-art facility.

Construction began two years ago and was recently completed on the $3 million, seven-field Summerfield Soccer Park, 11942 Big Bend Road.

"We feel like we outgrew our previous location and the new facility allows us to continue that growth and support more teams," said Jim DeLuca, tournament director for the South Hillsborough Soccer League.

The league, a nonprofit, volunteer organization established in 1979, plays at Vance Vogel Park in Gibsonton.

The league has marked Aug. 23 as a tentative date for the grand opening of its soccer-only complex. Games on the field are scheduled to begin before the end of that month.

The grand opening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, as well a silent auction. There will also be skills competitions, such as a "juggling and shooting" soccer ball contest. Collegiate players from the area will be invited to attend.

"It should be a fun day and the kids should be able to learn plenty," DeLuca said. "We hope our entire community will come down and celebrate with us."

In addition to playing surfaces made of Bermuda grass, the facility will feature new equipment and a concession stand with a healthier menu.

DeLuca said the league hopes to retain the Vance Vogel facility, which has three soccer fields, for practice, expansion and tournament play.

The league offers programs for adults, as well as children age 4 to 18. More importantly, it welcomes both experienced players and those who have never set foot on a soccer field.

Tryouts for the competitive program began May 27, with registration for the recreational program starting in August.

"We also make arrangements for any interested players, who did not make our scheduled tryouts, to have an opportunity to play," DeLuca said.

This year, the league introduced a soccer academy for children age 8 and 9, giving players wanting to focus on developing their soccer skills the chance to have a professional trainer available.

DeLuca said the league had close to 650 registered players in the fall.

The new facility will enable the league to expand to about 800 players.

"If we can retain Vance Vogel, we can register 1,000 players, which would be the most we've ever had," DeLuca said. "Our goal is to become one of the best youth soccer associations in the state."

For information, visit www.shslsoccer.com.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555 or jceballos@tampatrib.com.

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