the first of its kind in the history of the city.
The new complex will be of great benefit to Houston's amateur soccer community. It will not only provide 18 fields for local soccer organizations but will also afford the area the opportunity to host amateur tournaments of state, regional and national stature. Once completely developed, the complex is expected to attract well over 500,000 visitors per year.
"The entire Greater Houston soccer community congratulates Mayor Bill White and the City Council in taking this important first step in the creation of this complex. The development of this complex will serve as a motivation for tens of thousands of people to get fit and play soccer.
"Furthermore, the complex will generate a positive economic impact in the 288 corridor. Houston is now ready to attract some of the better national, regional, and state tournaments available," said Dynamo President Oliver Luck.
How big will the expected economic impact be?
"Events like these normally bring in about $8.5 million per year to the organizing city. Once built, this complex will allow us to compete with other entities in the country that normally organize important tournaments" said Ed Loucks, President of the South Texas Youth Soccer Association.
Houston currently has dozens of amateur soccer leagues. The development of this complex allows them to leave the fields they currently play in, many of them in very poor condition, to play in properly-maintained fields on a state-of-the-art facility.
"The Amateur Soccer Complex typifies the spirit of Houston -- opportunity. It provides adult male, female and coed soccer players with the opportunity to expand existing leagues and form new leagues. It will allow the adult soccer community to host championship competitions and attract international competitions to this unique, truly international city," said Pascal Piazza, President of Texas State Soccer Association South.
"On behalf of Houston's amateur independent soccer leagues, I feel very proud of the City of Houston's approval of this proposal", said Bardo Orta, President of Hispano Soccer League and Ligas Unidas de Houston. "I am also very proud of Mayor White's efforts to recognize and support all fans of soccer that live in the city of Houston. This complex will be instrumental in helping fans and amateur players alike spend more quality time with their families."
Construction of the complex is expected to be completed by 2009.
