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Soccer Complex
River Soccer Club
LAYOUT OF COMPLEX
OVERVIEW OF OUR ORGANIZATION
In the spring of 1996 the River Soccer Club began play with 3 teams and 48 players. Currently, the Club now sponsors 15 travel teams with approximately 300 players. Currently the Club fields both recreational and competitive travel teams, and play occurs in New Castle, Kent, Sussex and Worcester Counties, and S.E. Pennsylvania. In addition to the organized travel teams, RSC offers a recreational league in fall and spring, an indoor winter league, and several camps in the summer which involve an additional 375 children.
The primary function of the River Soccer Club is to provide opportunities for youth, ages 5 to 18, to learn and to play soccer in a wholesome and sportsman-like atmosphere. Emphasis is on providing an appropriate level of soccer for all interested children.
The Club is subject to and abides by the rules and regulations of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) and the Delaware State Youth Soccer Association (DSYSA.)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2006-2007
| Howard
O. Gerken |
Retired
Principal, Selbyville Middle School |
302-732-6835 |
| Lloyd
Elling |
Owner,
Ocean View Assisted Living Center |
302-539-5892 |
| Craig
Karsnitz |
Attorney;
Young, Conaway, Stargatt, and Taylor, LLP |
302-645-0663 |
| Rebecca
G. Mais |
Owner,
McCabe's Gourmet Market |
302-539-2389 |
| Bruce
Dolby, Jr. |
Owner,
Dolby Painters |
302-537-9439 |
| Peter
P. Roenke |
Owner,
Coastal Images, Inc. |
302-539-6001 |
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS 2006-2007
PROJECT SUMMARY
The overall project is to convert 45 acres of farmland, central to the area served by the River Soccer Club, into the premier soccer program and facility in the state of Delaware. When completed there will be 7 large fields and 4 smaller ones. The fields will be graded, seeded and irrigated. The playing fields will be designed with flexibility in mind. We will be able to change and modify both the size and directions of the fields. There will be parking spaces for approximately 250 cars, a concession stand, restrooms and storage facilities. After the outdoor fields are completed, the final phase will include the construction of an indoor soccer arena.
The construction of the outdoor complex has been divided into 2 phases: Phase I included the design and planning of the project, site grading, construction of 4 large fields, 250 parking spaces, and storage facilities. It also includes the equipment and infrastructure to maintain and irrigate the 11 fields. We are pleased to announce that through the generosity of several private foundations, the goodwill of our community, and some hard work on our part over the past several years, that we have raised sufficient monies to complete phase I and begin Phase II.
Phase II will include building and maintaining the remaining fields, paving of the parking area, site work for and the construction of the concession/storage building, sewer and utilities (including permanent restrooms.) We are nearly completer with phase II. Phase III will be the lighting and seating for the stadium field, and construction of the indoor soccer complex.
We have estimated that the total dollar amount , including cash, value-in-kind donations and revenue necessary to finance the project is as follows:
- Phase I $360,000.
- Phase II $380,000.
- Phase III $1,800,000.
- Total cost $2,540,000.
COMMUNITY NEED FOR THE PROJECT
During the 1990's, soccer participation has grown at a prolific rate. The numbers of players registered by the U.S. Youth Soccer Association has increased 76% during the past decade to over 4 million this past season. There are currently 675 children involved with the River Soccer Club. With a minimal amount of effort that number could be expanded by 50%. The Club is doing this without having any facilities of its own. Sussex County is geographically one of the largest counties east of the Mississippi River. There are 108 baseball fields in Sussex County, but there are only no soccer fields or facilities available, and none are being planned. River Soccer Club is without a permanent home in this crucial point in their program development, prompting necessity of this project. Our coaches and players have been using fields located on school grounds throughout the southeastern corner of Sussex County, and availability of fields is subject to approval by school administrators. The fields are multipurpose ones being used by many sports, and are generally in poor condition. In the best of circumstances, there are not enough fields for the number of players and teams who want to play soccer. This problem is especially evident in spring when Little League Baseball commandeers every available field in the county.
Currently most of our league play occurs in the Dover, Wilmington or S.E. Pennsylvania areas, and our families must travel a minimum of 1.5 hours one way to see their children's games. We have been unable to reciprocate because of the lack of playing fields, and while our program is aspiring to new heights, the facilities in which our children play and practice are inconsistent with their potential. As with Club Ball, our local high school teams are playing on poorly maintained multi-use fields. We hope that the construction of this facility will allow all of our players a place to play their games and tournaments with pride.
With the Soccer Complex, the Club will be able to support existing teams and programs on quality fields in one central location, and unlike most other sports, our outdoor fields will be used approximately 10 months out of the year. This will allow us to expand our program to offer many more soccer opportunities to interested area youth on a year-round basis. It is expected that this complex will become a much-needed hub of recreational and social activity for the youth of our community. More importantly, the Soccer Complex will offer our youth a facility that inspires pride and mindfulness to the importance of physical fitness, while providing a home where they can evolve from capable athletes into tomorrow's leaders.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
While our community continues to grow at a rapid rate, we have no infrastructure in place for the youth of our area; we have no Activity Centers, Boys/Girls Club or YM(W)CA, etc. It is anticipated that when this project is completed it will become a social center for the youth (and the families) of our area. We feel that the soccer complex will address many of the problems facing the youth of our area by offering them the structure and guidance which is missing in many of their lives. We hope that by addressing these issues we will have a lasting impact on these children, and our community as a whole.
In addition to the many opportunities provided to our children and families, the sports burgeoning popularity has also spurred recognition of it's economic potential. With our central location, and our proximity to the finest beaches on the East Coast, we expect the players and families in the State of Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic Region to find the River Club Soccer Complex an inviting place to attend tournaments. The contribution of a well-placed soccer complex to the states economy will go far beyond buying orange slices, snack foods and sports drinks. Tournaments will be great advertisement for Sussex County and the state as a whole. Many families will make these tournaments their vacation, and there are plenty of recreational and tourist activities that we will encourage them to take advantage of away from the soccer fields.
CONSTITUENCY SERVED
The eastern part of Sussex County, the area served by the RSC, is a unique blend of rural farm land and beach resort expansion. Primary occupations are related to the poultry industry and beach resort business. Sussex County is also one of the fastest growing counties on the East Coast. Many of our new residents, including a large Hispanic population (which has quadrupled in the past 4 years) are arriving with an interest and a background in soccer. The 1990-2000 Census reports that the Hispanic population in Sussex County grew by 369%, while the overall growth of the county grew at 18%. Indian River School District records for 2003-04 indicate that 44.7% of its students were eligible for free and reduced lunch, and come from economically disadvantaged homes.
In recent years Sussex County has become culturally diversified, and the River Soccer Club feels that one of the best ways for our young people of different backgrounds to come together is to participate in community activities and play, with soccer being the common denominator for many of these children. In an attempt to help the club reach it's goals of community outreach, Rev. Jim Lewis of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware, through the Jessie Ball duPont Foundation, has awarded the Club $20,000.
This project will offer all our children a safe place to play, and will give them opportunities to integrate and learn the value of team play while allowing them the broaden their horizons and create happy memories.
PROJECT IMPACT ON THE RIVER SOCCER CLUB
As an organization we are devoted to developing positive behavior in all of our players, and we anticipate that this project will help us achieve our priorities which are to:
- Foster programs which provide health, physical fitness and educational opportunities through soccer.
- Support the construction of fields and soccer infrastructure.
- Support the long-term development of the sport to the highest level.
- Promote participation by the economically disadvantaged.
PROJECT GOALS
Provided below is the Five-Year Plan for the project, including the initial execution and how we intend to ensure maintenance of our facility. The Five-Year Plan will include:
Year 2000: Complete planning, secure initial funding and begin Phase I of the total project to include site work, preparation and seeding of 4 large fields, installation of the well and irrigation infrastructure for the first four fields, parking area, storage, and purchase of field maintenance equipment. Develop an operating budget for the operation and maintenance of the Complex. These goals have been completed.
Year 2001(2): Secure additional funding from foundations, corporations and individuals. Seek state and county recreational funding. Complete any unfinished work in Phase I. Begin Phase II to include schematics and zoning permits for the additional fields. Begin play on first 4 fields. Begin a field maintenance program. Refine operating budget to include the new fields. These goals have been completed.
Year 2002(3): Continue to seek funding as listed above. Complete with any unfinished parts of Phase II. Begin necessary site work for the construction of concession stand, and install concession stand. Play on fields as ready. Continue field maintenance program, and continue to revise budget to include to include the new site modifications.
Year 2004(5): Continue to seek appropriate funding for the project. Use revenues from refreshment stand, tournaments, and soccer camps for the building project. Complete Phase II. Pave parking lot. Install sewer and restrooms. Continue field maintenance program, and begin planning and seeking funds for Phase III, an indoor soccer complex, and lighting and seating for the stadium field.
Year 2005(6): Continue to maintain the existing fields. Seek funding and finalize plans for Phase III. Continue budget revisions.
FUNDING
- A community partner www.beach-net.com has offered to pay the land rent for the first several years. This will enable the Club to focus on development and further fundraising, while being released from the burden of the $3,000 yearly payments.
We are fortunate to be receiving many donations and in-kind services from local businesses and professionals:
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- The Longwood Foundation in Wilmington, DE has graciously given the RSC a matching grant of $250,000.
- The Welfare Foundation of Wilmington, DE has made a contribution of $50,000.
- The Jesse Ball duPont Foundation, through the Episcopal Diocese of Wilmington, has donated $20,000.
- Carl M. Freeman Associates of Bethany Beach, DE and Potomac, MD have been more than generous with their guidance, expertise and donation of time and energy. They have donated the labor and knowledge for the installation of the irrigation for the fields, and a 62 Toro Lawn Mower to cut the grass once it grew!
- Land Design (Tom Ford) has donated the Master Land Planning on the property.
- Bunting & Murray Construction has offered the use of their equipment and operators for the earth work (grading, etc,.) and their invaluable knowledge of the construction business.
- beach-net.com (T/A Coastal Images, Inc.) in addition to the rent, are the host of the website.
- The VFW Men & the VFW Ladies of Post #21, Ocean View, DE have each donated $1,000 to the construction of the new fields.
- The United States Soccer Foundation awarded the River Soccer Club $25,000. Out of 4,000 applications in the last grant cycle, only 60 were funded.
- Sussex County Engineering Dept. (Mike Izzo & Crew) has donated the Engineering & Field Survey Work, and have been a wealth of information and guidance.
- Sussex County Councilmen George Cole and Vance Phillips have contributed to the Complex through County Funding.
- Village of Bear Trap & Bear Trap Dunes Golf Course (Eric Linde) have donated their time, knowledge and resources. Their Marketing Division was there to answer any and all questions.
- AB&C Graphic Design in Wilmington, DE worked hand-in-hand with Freeman Assoc. to provide us with the brochures and donor request cards that we use in our fundraising
- Atlantic & Hastings Printers in Rehoboth Beach, DE donated a major portion of the printing costs of the above.
- The Lord Baltimore Lions & Lionesses Club have furnished us with money over the past several years for a Scholarship Fund which covers uniforms, tournament fees, etc. for deserving players in need.
- Gerald Hocker has pledged the proceeds from the last 2 years of the Springtime Jamboree to the construction of the new fields.
- Dave and Barbara Devine purchased and donated a 4.0 HP Lawn Boy Mower and a 1.5 HP Homelite Grass Edger.
- There are numerous community members who have made generous donations of finances and time, and for that we are grateful.
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- As you can see, the club is raising funds for this project through a variety of sources. In addition to seeking funds from the state, national and private foundations, and corporations, the Club is asking for help from our community through a three-prong plan designed for individuals, families, and businesses. The attached brochures provide an overview of the plan. In addition to these funds, we are currently being reviewed by several philanthropic organizations for matching funds.
ALLOCATION OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS
Specifically funds will go towards completing Phase II of the River Club Soccer Complex Project, including; construction of and site work for the additional fields, and the purchasing of any additional equipment necessary to maintain the fields. As each Phase of the project becomes completed, it will allow the Club to become more self-sufficient as we become able to raise revenue through the concession area, sponsoring of coaching clinics, and the hosting of tournaments and camps. We have met with the organizers of the Kirkwood Soccer Complex in New Castle, DE and they satisfy the majority of their operating costs through these means. We also expect a rise in volunteerism with a permanent facility, as it will give us the ability to centrally locate equipment to be shared.
PROJECT EXPENSES
For a current copy of our budget information please contact Howard Gerken at the address below.
OTHER REVENUE RECEIVED FOR THIS PROJECT
See above.
TAX EXEMPT STATUS
River Soccer Club is an IRS 501 (C) (3), our Federal ID # is 51-0377913
PROPERTY DESIGNATION
The River Soccer Club has a lease for 45 acres of land in Roxana, Sussex County, DE. The property is located on the north side of Rt. 392 (Gum Road), approximately 6/10 of a mile south of the intersection of Rt's 17 & 20. The lease will initially be for 10 years with 3 five-year options, and the River Soccer Club has been guaranteed the right-of-first-refusal. The lease stipulates that the land shall be used exclusively as a soccer complex. The lease is $3,000 per year for the first five years with a standard COLA in place after that.
CONTACT PERSON:
Howard O. Gerken, Project Manager
Phone (302) 732-6835
FAX (302) 732-6485
EMAIL hgerken@verizon.net
Address P.O. Box 1366, Ocean View, DE 19970
riversoccerclub.com
It is less important to redistribute wealth,
than it is to redistribute opportunity.
~ Arthur Vanderberg
20th Century American Senator
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