Soccer Holdings, LLC, has released schematic designs for its practice facility located on the grounds of Champions Park on River Road. The plan will provide training facilities for its USL Championship club Louisville City FC, the new NWSL franchise launching in 2021, and youth academy.
AML Construction has been selected as the contractor for the Champions Park site that will feature four turf fields for the youth academy and local community, three natural grass fields on which the professional clubs will train as well as a 30,000 square foot women’s and men’s training building.
“We now have the ability to house all of our teams in one place,” Soccer Holdings Executive Vice President of Development, James O’Connor. “This allows us to strengthen our culture of excellence while improving and inspiring all of our players, male or female, young or old to become the very best versions of themselves.”
The two-story men’s and women’s training building will consist of locker rooms for the NWSL, USL and academy teams, gym and workout areas, a kitchen and dining hall, and media room. Inside the facility will provide offices for front office staff and a concession space for the academy families.
“This new training facility is yet another example of the commitment of our Club to invest in our professional teams, youth academy and the Louisville community as a whole,” said Louisville City FC Head Coach and Sporting Director, John Hackworth. “Housing all these programs in a state-of-the-art facility will continue to strengthen our belief in becoming one of the preeminent clubs in the US. “
As another asset to help the Louisville City Academy grow the game of soccer locally, the practice facility’s turf fields will feature stadium lighting allowing them to host large soccer tournaments or accommodate other community events.
“Our new facility is a game changer for youth soccer in the greater Louisville area. The new facility will allow kids to train and develop all year long in a world class environment,” Youth Academy Director, Mario Sanchez. “Most importantly, our facility will inspire kids to dream as they train alongside our LouCity men and our NWSL women. We will also now have the opportunity to bring Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and USL Youth events to the city of Louisville. I am extremely proud of our city and ownership group for working together to bring this facility to fruition.”
The training facility will be privately financed and is expected to cost around $15 Million.
“This facility will provide access to the game of soccer for youth players in our region regardless of their means,” said Soccer Holdings, LLC President, Brad Estes. “We will be able to expand our offerings of free clinics, and we will be able to provide practice fields for other organizations that have struggled to find it. This game is for everyone and LouCity is striving to make it available to all.”
