A Marysville-based soccer club will now have a new home for practice and play.
The Elite FC Soccer Club of Marysville has signed a lease agreement with the Shelly Company to use about 30 acres of the company's land, which will be turned into new fields for practice and soccer games. The 10-year lease agreement was signed by the soccer club at a rate of $10 per year, according to Elite FC executive director Marc Kirsch.
The fields are located at the Shelly Company's Ostrander facility, 7200 Watkins Road, near the intersection of Watkins Road and route 42.
"This agreement will allow for many Union, Delaware, Madison, and Franklin County students to have a great opportunity to compete on high level soccer teams with top notch soccer training," Kirsch said.
The property, which is adjacent to the Shelly Company's facilities, is not currently being used.
"We have enjoyed a great relationship with the community over the years and this is a good opportunity to positively support area youth," said Paul Rice, senior vice president with the Shelly Company. "Our company has a deep-rooted practice of supporting well-focused community initiatives."
Established in 1999, the Elite FC Soccer Club serves both boys and girls of all ages, and has seen significant growth over the past several years, according to Kirsch. The club currently has over 35 teams and more than 500 players, ranging in age from 7 to 19.
"We are grateful for the generous support from the Shelly Company," Kirsch said. "It is this type of support that helps allow more kids throughout the area to participate."
The Shelly Company currently owns more than 1,000 acres in the area. The Millcreek Township facility has been in operation since 1926. The company is one of the larger asphalt-producing companies in the nation, according to Kirsch.
The 30 acres of space will allow Elite FC to expand its services as more youth become interested, Kirsch said.
"These additional fields will allow for additional practice and game space and will allow for growth as more and more youth are choosing to play soccer," Kirsch said. "This will allow more field time for the players, especially the middle school and high school players."
The Elite FC Soccer Club was originally established by Kirsch and director of coaching Dan Lahut in 1999, with the idea of providing high school boys the opportunity to play soccer during the spring season. The club has been recognized by a number of organizations including the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and the United States Soccer Federation as a high-level soccer club, according to Kirsch.
"Elite gives our youth an opportunity to promote a healthier lifestyle, while focusing on developing the players' skill and passion for the game of soccer," Kirsch said.