The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
In the movie 'Field of Dreams' Kevin Costner's character built a baseball field in his corn field to bring back stars of the past. Flin Flon has its own vision for soccer, but it's to lure future stars. "We need a full size field," said Don Kirkham, facilities coordinator for the Phantom Lake Soccer Club, in the lobby of the Whitney Forum last weekend during soccer registration. "It will also help bring elite soccer." The biggest challenge was finding land. The City of Flin Flon has solved that problem by donating the use of property at Centoba Park. "It's been very well received and without the cooperation of the City of Flin Flon and Recreation Department, this would never happen," Kirkham said. "They too have a vision of the future." See 'Soccer' P.# Con't from P.# Brenda Russell, director of recreation for the City of Flin Flon, said it's part of their mandate to work together with community groups to provide or expand existing recreational opportunities. "We're excited to be part of the initiative," Russell said. "Soccer is the fastest growing sport in the world and is increasing in Flin Flon. Hopefully adult leagues will be developed." The key is raising $75,000 and a fundraiser began last week with a presentation to the Rotary Club. The community can do their part by buying a yard of turf for $15. The first to donate was Janice Rowe and her husband, Doug. "We have six grandchildren playing soccer and we think it's a great sport and we like to support youth," Janice explained, as they were also involved in the fundraising efforts for the Phantom Lake soccer field. "It's vital," she said on the importance of this project. "We have hundreds of kids playing and it's essential for the program. It's a relatively inexpensive sport and it reaches more youth." The money would bring a fully irrigated 100 by 50 yard facility. Kirkham believes this will allow the community to host tournaments. "We intend to have the best facilities in northern Manitoba," he said confidently. He strongly believes the community will step up because the interest is there. The city, Phantom Lake Soccer Club and generosity of the community will hopefully make it a reality, Kirkham believes. "A year ago a full size field was a dream," Kirkham said. "Now it's a reality."3/15/2006
