By Joe Castagna
SEBASTIAN – A crowd of 500 was on hand Saturday to help inaugurate the Sebastian Soccer Association “field of dreams” at North County Regional Park, capping over five years of work to turn the concept into reality.
The ceremonies included bounce houses and slides, concessions, soccer clinics and four skydivers attempting to make a goal just before they hit the ground. Also; the Sebastian police’s K9 unit was there to give a demonstration. Cory Richter, president of the soccer association, thanked all the local businesses, volunteers, and county board members that helped make the fields possible.
“We have come a long way but we did not do it alone,” he said. “Sebastian Soccer has been very blessed with having a very dedicated and committed volunteer board that has served as the backbone of this development project.”
The SSA, which was founded in 1991, has never had a place to call home until now. They have mainly been playing their games at the Barber Street football and baseball complex sharing the fields with multiple leagues. Overcrowding would sometimes force teams to local schools or other public areas for games.
There is still some work to be done as four of the six fields are ready for play, but the remaining two should be completed soon. Also lighting is to be installed and buildings such as concessions and restrooms are to be built..
The Sebastian Soccer Association consists of over 300 players, coaches and referees making up 20 teams ranging from ages 4 – 18. The SSA offers services from instruction-based play (for the youngest players), recreation teams, competitive teams and travel teams. The SSA one day also hopes to offer adult teams in similar categories. For registration and information visit http://www.sebastiansoccer.com.