Good rec project: City ought to take groups up on offers to coordinate soccer complex

The Neuse River Youth Soccer Association's proposal to create soccer fields and the associated structures in Goldsboro as part of a soccer complex is one the Goldsboro City Council should not hesitate to support.

The group, which has also attracted the support of local Kiwanis clubs, has offered to do the majority of the work, including fundraising, to bring such a complex to the city.

The city would contribute some maintenance and security support later.

And it is, quite frankly, a great idea.

A soccer complex like this would not only acknowledge the incredible popularity of youth soccer and give children from all walks of life the opportunity to play on well-maintained fields, it could be an economic boost for the county and city as well.

Such a complex would be a magnet for tournaments, which would bring people and money to this community.

The investment would be small -- and this is likely something the community could easily get behind. Rather than a huge, expensive project that taxpayers are not sure they want to fund like a recreation center, a soccer complex would be an inexpensive way to increase recreational opportunities in this city with little stress on already-strapped homeowners.

This is a positive improvement for the city -- and one its leaders should embrace as a first step.

Published in Editorials on July 9, 2010 11:01 AM