Florida state association gets fields of its own

• by Soccer America , Jul 8, 2008

The Florida Youth Soccer Association is moving to the town of Auburndale in Polk County, where a 250-acre sports park will have eight soccer fields, training facilities and headquarters for the FYSA.

Mark Jackson, Polk County director of tourism and sports marketing, called the impact of the complex "massive" an economic impact of more than $50 million a year.

Besides the soccer fields, which will include a stadium with at least 1,500 seats. the facility will have nine baseball fields, including a stadium for collegiate tournaments.

The complex will allow the FYSA to have a home for its state tournament and ODP events.

According to the Lakeland Ledger, the state association will pay for its $2.5 million headquarters that will include training facilities and locker rooms and offices overlooking the soccer stadium.