Officials excited at prospect of two dozen soccer fields
southeast of Gilroy
Hollister – The nonprofit group looking to build a large soccer complex with some two dozen or more fields southeast of Gilroy moved a step closer when it got word that its offer to purchase 170 acres in the county had been accepted.
Before the deal is final, however, the San Jose Soccer Complex Foundation has 90 days to conduct feasibility studies, according to the Dave Morton, the foundation’s president. These can include looking into the traffic impact, environmental issues and zoning regulations.
“It’s been a long road to get to this point. Now we have a lot of work to do,” Morton said.
The foundation hopes to build 24 to 26 soccer fields on Highway 25 near Shore Road in San Benito County, as well as some permanent buildings. The complex would draw people for youth league soccer games from throughout the region – and even the nation – 45 weekends per year.
“It’s envisioned right now as a complex used for league play as well as tournaments,” Morton said.
Much like the sports park currently under construction just south of Luchessa Avenue in Gilroy, local officials believe a regional soccer complex just 10 miles southeast of the city will serve as an economic boon for Gilroy.
“I do think it’s close enough to have a positive impact on our lodging and restaurant industries,” said Kirstin Carr, director of the Gilroy Visitor’s Bureau. “Even when the economy (goes south), people still travel to sporting events, especially for their children. When people come to town for a soccer game, they’re looking for a place to stay and eat.”
Before any turf can be laid for the complex, the SJSCF needs to start raising the $7 to $8 million needed to fund the initial construction of the complex.
The SJSCF, an offshoot of the California Youth Soccer Association North, was formed in 2003 to find a new place for the soccer association to hold games and tournaments.
Luke Roney covers politics and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at lr****@***********ws.com. Staff Writer Serdar Tumgoren contributed to this story.
