‘State-of-the-art’ 3-field soccer facility coming to Charleston

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South Carolina Surf Soccer Club, in partnership with a local family, has officially broken ground on a new three-field, state-of-the-art soccer facility.

The family’s charitable foundation (the family wishes to remain anonymous) has made a long-term commitment to the Charleston community through the investment, according to a news release.

The recreational facility will be located on a 104-acre property at 5050 Hwy 17 N., which is being acquired from the McCaskill family, who has owned the land since the 1970s.

As the Charleston community has grown, so has the demand for accessible and quality field space.

“This is a very exciting time for the Charleston youth soccer community, especially for those kids looking to play competitively,” said SC Surf President Tripp Moye in the release. “SC Surf has made a commitment to enhancing the player development and family experience, ensuring that all kids have an opportunity to thrive through the game of soccer, and these fields will play an important role in allowing us to carry out that commitment.”

Moye, a long-time Mount Pleasant resident, was inspired to get involved by the positive impact soccer has had on his three children, the release stated.

“This will be an incredible community asset,” Charleston Battery Chairman Rob Salvatore said in the release. “We see firsthand how much participation and enthusiasm there is for the game at the youth level. And with that, there is a need for more quality fields. A facility like this provides more capacity and a wonderful environment for the area’s youth to train and develop. We are thankful to all involved for supporting our community and growing the game.”

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SC Surf will be the anchor tenant of the initial 12-acre phase. Anticipated phase one completion is expected by Labor Day of this year and will feature:

• More than five acres of artificial turf;
• Two FIFA-regulated full-size 11v11 fields;
• One 9v9 field; and
• Dedicated goalkeeper training area.

Additionally, a covered pavilion and permanent restroom structure will be added, and the two 11v11 full-size fields will be marked for 7v7 and 9v9 games, ensuring flexibility for various age groups, the release stated.

A phase two portion of the master development will include an additional full-size (11v11) grass field and parking, according to the release. This phase is currently going through the permitting process, with approvals expected this summer. Negotiations are ongoing with a potential long-term user of this additional field. The foundation hopes to conserve a significant portion of the remaining land as green space and is looking for a local partner to optimize the use of this acreage to benefit the Charleston community.

Building a positive environment for Charleston’s youth

“Our vision is to create a positive environment that fosters lasting qualities that will shape each player into the best version of themselves on and off the field,” SC Surf’s Director of Coaching and Player Development Tam McGowan said in the release. “The importance of these fields to the Charleston community cannot be overstated. Having a facility like this will provide world-class training and game experience for both players and coaches. It will be instrumental in creating a positive environment that allows us to serve more of Charleston’s youth.”

SC Surf currently serves over 900 local families and is dedicated to making soccer accessible to players regardless of their socioeconomic background, the release stated. Outside of their members, SC Surf touches the lives of children through impactful partnerships with local nonprofits, including Kids on Point for the past three years, and hopes to expand their relationships with organizations like Windwood Family Services, Awendaw Recreation Department, Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, Citadel, College of Charleston and the Charleston County School District.

Since 2015, SC Surf’s fundraising efforts and parent support have resulted in over $550,000 in player scholarships awarded to over 590 families.