PROCTORVILLE — The Ohio University Southern campus has secured another $2,500 for construction and equipment on the Eastern Lawrence County Youth Soccer Fields, this time from the Foundation for the Tri-State Community.

The Ohio University Southern (OUS) Foundation has 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.

Due to FAA restrictions, the ELYSA is no longer permitted to use the Lawrence County Airpark’s field located in Chesapeake.

“The community has expressed a desire for the development of the fields especially on the heels of a successful soccer season. Momentum is really picking up,” said Matt Ward, director of development for Ohio University Southern.

Ward was approached by Stephanie Burcham, Ohio University Proctorville director, to take the lead on creating a better atmosphere for youth recreation after the Lawrence County Youth Soccer Association was notified they could no longer use the Chesapeake fields. This partnership would go above the current standards for soccer enthusiasts in the Tri-State.

The project had received a previous award of $2,500 from the Lawrence County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

“The soccer fields at the Ohio University Proctorville Center have provided a great place for the youth of Lawrence County to play, and for their family and friends to gather and build a sense of community.

“The Foundation for the Tri-State Community is delighted to have played a small part in this exciting endeavor” said Mary Witten Wiseman, president of the Foundation for the Tri-State Community.

Currently, ELYSA has more than 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 more than 75 children participate and interact with young coaches from the UK who stay in Lawrence County during the week of the camp. The camps have been extremely successful,” said Jason Stephens, pPresident of the ELYSA.

For more information on these developments or to donate, contact Matt Ward, Director of Development at (740) 547-3792