“It’s not just a soccer complex,” said the executive director of the Highland District Soccer Association, which owns the facility.
“It’s not just a soccer complex,” said the executive director of the Highland District Soccer Association, which owns the facility.
While it was built 10 years ago primarily for indoor soccer training, it’s now used for multiple sports and recreational activities, including walking, football, baseball, tennis, rugby, track and field, squash and golf, providing opportunities for physical activity for all ages during the winter months.
Kenny made a presentation to Stellarton council earlier this week, requesting funding from the town. He intends to approach the other five local municipalities as well, as regular grants from the municipalities expire at the end of this fiscal year. Other monies come from soccer fees, rentals, and sign sponsorships.
He’s looking for $25,000 annually between the six municipalities to help operate the complex. While it’s located in Stellarton, the facility is used by residents from all over Pictou County and Kenny said it provides important health and wellness benefits for the area and economic spinoffs.
“We’re hopeful they will see the value it brings for a small amount of money. It’s a big return for the community.”
The operating budget is between $250,000 and $275,000 each year, with utilities being the largest cost. Kenny said the lights were converted to a more efficient type about five years ago, and they’re looking at another upgrade that will save about 25 per cent.
“We’re not looking to make money. We just want to keep our doors open and offer more,” he said about the facility that is operated as a non-profit.
Other activities offered include batting cages, indoor paintball, bouncy houses and birthday party rentals.
“Our biggest message to the community is the awareness of it. There are still so many people who don’t know what we have to offer, where we are and what’s available,” he said.
Kenny said he recently received a letter from the Holiday Inn Express expressing thanks for the dog agility trials held at the sports complex, which now number four per year, with the hotel renting 50 to 70 rooms per event.
“In our minds, for every dollar we’re looking for in a grant, $5 to $7 is returned in economic spinoffs,” he said. “It’s good value for your buck – it’s a good facility for the region.”
Something important to note, he said, is that the complex is not owned by Sobeys, but carries the name in recognition of the major funds donated by the family during the capital construction campaign.
“It wasn’t until I was appointed to the board that I understood fully the health and wellness benefits of this facility,” said Coun. Bryan Knight, who was recently selected as the town’s representative for the complex’s management committee. “Calling it a soccer complex wouldn't be right. It’s like saying Canadian Tire only sells tires,” he said.
He said the financial impact is significant as it brings people into the community. “They shop in our stores, eat in our restaurants, sleep at our hotels.”
Mayor Danny MacGillivray agreed to add the request to the town’s budget deliberations.
