Down in the Valley, we got a chance to see one of the area’s best youth soccer fields and watch the home team compete for a victory.
Our photographers still remember when these beautiful soccer fields were corn and bean fields, located on Dill Road in the Clear Fork Valley. That’s not true today. After driving down the long dirt/stone drive, it opens up to 15 acres of soccer fields where kids ages 4 – 15 years old can enjoy learning about and playing soccer.
The new fields in Clear Fork exist thanks to the efforts of Brent Bennett and Dave Whatman, who had the original vision of moving Clear Fork fields from their old location by the sewer plant and Bellville Elementary, to where they are today.
Bennett approached the school board several years ago with the idea of having room to grow this program and utilizing this space owned by the school. Many local business men and women, several individuals, community members, parents, and coaches then donated many hours preparing the farm land and turning it into the beautiful soccer fields that exist today.
According to current CFYSL President Jason Snyder, the space can comfortably hold 12 fields. However, because the number of kids under the age of 6 playing this year, an additional field was added (field “0”) allowing two game fields to be available for the U5 and U6 players. This is a growing program offers an opportunity for children to learn and love soccer.
Registration for the 2014-15 season will soon be upon us. Forms will be available at both elementary buildings, as well as the Post Offices and Libraries in Bellville and Butler.
If you have any questions, please contact Jason Snyder at 419-688-9057. Also, the Clear Fork Youth Soccer League Camp for ages 4-15 will be held the week of July 28th. Forms can be picked up at the same locations as registration forms.
