November 30, 2016

Nike 7 Turfing Project                                                                                         

Dear Great Falls Soccer Families,

The Board of Directors is pleased to report that we have received from the Fairfax County Park Authority all the necessary commitments to form a partnership to build a lighted turf field at the Nike 7 location! Construction is slated to begin in mid-June 2017 and is anticipated to be completed by September 1st. This marks a major milestone in GFSC's history. Turfing Nike 7 will allow our Club to hold year-round practices and games, to have fewer cancellations and to play even when daylight savings works against us. GFSC has grown by almost 300 players over the last two years, and access to local turf field space is very limited. The additional time provided by a local, lighted turf field will help alleviate some of our growing pains. 

The Field

A turfed, lighted Nike 7 will offer two options: one full-sized field or two small-sided fields. In addition to the artificial turf and lighting, our new fields will have benches for players on the sidelines, stands for the spectators on the opposite side and could also have a scoreboard. While there hasn't been any concrete evidence that crumb rubber fill has adverse health effects, GFSC has chosen a fill for the turf that is very similar to that of Nike 4. Although there is an additional cost for this fill, the GFSC Board feels that it is important to our members that we put down a fill that is akin to that of Nike 4. 

Fundraising Goal: $175,000

The Club will begin an effort to offset the costs of turfing Nike 7 with a fundraising effort that will involve many different events with the hope of raising the necessary funds and also of bringing our soccer community closer together. Laura Fritzlen, a GFSC parent, has kindly volunteered to lead the charge along with a small group of volunteers. Initially, the club will ask each family or local business to contribute an amount that they feel is appropriate. The second phase of fundraising will include various events such as banquets, silent auctions, "fun runs", coaches games and many other special happenings. Our hope is to make raising these funds a little more fun and inclusive for our members.  With the end of 2016 approaching, please keep in mind that GFSC is a 501c3 non-profit organization, therefore you can take a tax deduction to the fullest extent allowable.  As such, we have provided an option during spring registration to make this tax-deductible donation.

Field Costs

GFSC has made many positive changes over the last few years, and these changes have left us with money available to undertake this ambitious project. The Board agreed in June 2015 that we as a Club would hire our professional coaches and cut out the need to pay a coaching company to offer this service to us. We have also better managed our finances, costs, fees, and contracts allowing the Club to have funds available - $300,000 - to contribute to the turfing of Nike 7. This was all done without raising soccer fees and, in most cases, including more services in the yearly costs of playing soccer in Great Falls.

Anticipated Cost ofTurf Field: $1,250,000

Committed County Contribution: $395,000

GFSC Equity Contribution: $300,000

GFSC Bank Loan: $500,000-$600,000 (depending on actual field cost)

GFSC was able to secure $250,000 above and beyond the usual county contribution which will help offset some of the major costs for a project of this scope. Additionally, the club will receive $125,000 from the County Athletic Council and $20,000 from the Mastenbrook Grant totaling $395,000. 

GFSC has submitted loan applications to three banks.  We have been offered loans in the above-referenced amounts.

Volunteer Opportunities

GFSC is always looking for volunteers to help with Club activities. As a volunteer-run organization, we depend on the concept of "many hands make light work" for our success.  If you are interested in helping with our turf field fundraising efforts (or in any other way), please contact me for more information.

I am looking forward to some very exciting times ahead!

Sincerely,

William Simonds, Jr.

Commissioner

703-801-2422

[email protected]