The Lawrence County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) recently awarded the Ohio University Foundation $2,500 in grant funds to begin construction on the Eastern Lawrence County Youth Soccer Fields.

The Ohio University Southern (OUS) Foundation has officially teamed up with the Eastern Lawrence County Youth Soccer Association (ELYSA) to provide two permanent soccer fields in the front area at the Ohio University Southern Proctorville Center.

Matt Ward of the OU Foundation and Director of Development was approached by Stephanie Burcham, Ohio University Proctorville Director, to take the lead on creating a better atmosphere for youth recreation.

This partnership would go above the current standards for soccer enthusiasts in the Tri-State.

“There are several strengths to this project such as improving the health and exercise of Lawrence County’s youth (currently ranking as the unhealthiest county in the state), attracting tourists for games and clinics,” said Ward.

The foundation is now pushing for funding and support from the local community.

The Lawrence County CVB created a new grant fund for 2011 to increase visitor traffic in Lawrence County and was invited to help support the soccer field efforts by giving seed money to kick of the fundraising campaign.

Viviane Khounlavong-Vallance, Director of the Lawrence County CVB said, “The CVB funds will be used towards the development and marketing efforts of the soccer program in Lawrence County to increase the number of participants in nationally recognized summer youth development programs. These programs and camps will increase the number of visitors to Lawrence County in the coming years.”

Currently, ELYSA has over 300 children from Lawrence County participating in the soccer programs each year. The organization also hosts a British Soccer Camp that has grown in popularity in the region.

“This year was our second year to host a British Soccer Camp. This is a camp where over 75 children participate and interact with young coaches from the U.K. who stay in Lawrence County during the week of the camp. The camps have been extremely successful,” said Jason Stephens, President of the ELYSA.

For further information on these developments or to donate, please contact: Matt Ward, Director of Development, 740-547-3792.