The future of soccer in Walkerton is in jeopardy according to a group of
concerned parents.
Andrea Barclay, president of Walkerton Minor Soccer, Steve Cobean, and Jon
Oestreicher informed Brockton council last week that they’ve been told that
the Bluewater District School Board “will not commit their fields for our
use past 2012”.
Currently minor soccer is played on fields at Brant Central School as well
as Walkerton District Secondary School. The league also uses fields at
Lobies Park, Riverbend Park, Mother Teresa, and Sacred Heart High School.
The five fields owned by the two school boards are used the most. Town-owned
fields are used for mini-soccer, for the U5 to U10 group.
More than 450 children and young adults between the ages of five and 20 play
soccer every year.
The group’s report to council noted that more youth play soccer than hockey
and baseball.
With field availability uncertain after 2012, a committee called Walkerton
Football Club was formed to investigate and find a long-term solution and
possible fundraising.
Their phased-in solution calls for the creation of four regulation size and
four mini-size fields in one central location with a pavilion with a snack
area, and washroom and change room facilities, proper irrigation,
playground, parking, permanent seating, lighting, and fencing. The projected
cost is $1 million, not including the cost of 14 acres of land required for
the complex.
Brockton CAO Richard Radford told council that the municipality’s complex
steering committee has formed a sub-committee which will be meeting with
Bluewater District board officials about the status of Brant Central and
Walkerton Public schools.
It was also noted that Brockton has “first right of refusal” when the school
properties do go up for sale after the new JK to Grade 12 school opens.
Deputy-mayor Roland Anstett suggested the needs of soccer should be included
in the recreation department’s Master Plan which is currently being
developed and expected to be finalized next March.
A motion was passed directing the group and recreation officials to work
together to find a solution. The issue also will be included on council’s
ŒStatus Report’ so officials can follow any progress.
“We definitely need to move on this,” Mayor Charlie Bagnato said. “It’s
scary to think we could lose (soccer).”
Coun. David Inglis told council that the Accommodation Review Committee
recommended to the school board that the fields at Brant Central be kept for
soccer. “But we don’t know what they’re plans are or what they’re thinking,”
he said.
Inglis also suggested temporary fields be created if needed.
Dan Wilken, Director of Recreation and Facilities, told The WHT that he has
met with soccer officials and has included soccer  needs in the Master Plan.
“I’m working with them in concert with other groups,” he said. “I think it’s
important we all work together.”
Wilken said there are “a whole bunch of options” available and he wants to
make sure all possibilities are examined.
But soccer officials say their needs are more pressing.
“This is a very real concern,” Oestreicher told media after their
presentation to council.
“After 2012 we will have no place to play.”
In a telephone interview last week, Barclay said the group’s objective is to
get support from council for finding new soccer pitches.
“Our ultimate goal would be to be included in the new facility plans,” she
said, but agreed a solution for the interim is needed. “We will need playing
fields soon, we can’t wait 10 to 15 years,” she said.
The group also unveiled a new logo and clothing that will be available for
sale as they start a fundraising campaign. Details can be found on their
Website at www.walkertonsoccer.ca.