A small ceremony including a ribbon cutting featuring county and league officials was recently held in order to dedicate Hillsborough County’s latest sports complex located in the heart of Riverview.
The 23-acre $3 million Summerfield Soccer Complex will be used and officially occupied by and will be the home to the South Hillsborough Soccer League (SHSL) serving 750 members in its recreational and competitive soccer programs.
The dedication was also the official opening of the new Summerfield Soccer Park. This park was in the planning stages for about 10 years, but funding was only approved by the board of county commissioners about three years ago. While bids for the complex were solicited two years ago, construction began in late September 2006.
Located at 11942 Big Bend Rd., approximately 5.5 miles east of I-75, includes seven soccer fields, concession building, a maintenance building, lights, sidewalks, irrigation system, parking, and landscaping as well as an entrance road.
According to SHSL President Bob Bruce, the dedication program proved to be a success which included a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, a DJ, free soccer ball giveaway, bake sale, snow cones and cotton candy while it also hosted three soccer games.
Guest speakers included Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham who thanked all the volunteers and sponsors that have contributed to the facility’s present condition and said “I am looking forward to the success of the season as well as the facility.”
Florida Youth Soccer Association’s Region C Vice President Dave Ditillio presented a Hackworth-Davis Scholarship Award to one of SHSL’s most talented players, 18-year-old Rachael Sandora. Her mother accepted the $250 award on her behalf because Rachael is currently attending Gulf Coast University.
“I am very proud of Rachel. Her dedication and hard work has truly paid off,” Kim said.
Rachael played soccer at South Hillsborough Soccer League (SHSL) since the age of 5, playing in both of the recreational and competitive programs. Rachael was also a coach and referee at SHSL.
Besides the fun and food more than 170 children registered to play soccer for the upcoming season. SHSL officials were proud of raising money to support the upcoming athletic events and to bu more new equipment for the fields.
“The money will be spent on new player benches, goals and equipment,” SHSL League President Bruce said, adding, “Everyone had a great time and although Tropical Storm Fay made her presence felt, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or hold down attendance too much.”
For more information about SHSL’s youth and adult athletic programs as well as season, field and volunteer programs please e-mail League President Bob Bruce at president@shslsoccer.com.
