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Field of Dreams Fulfillment Campaign’s Final Goal for Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex on Brookshire Road

Photo courtesy of hcavalanche.org

Oct. 8, 2012. The end is in sight for mortgage payments on the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex (TMSC) on Brookshire Road. This August marked the fifth year of soccer play at TMSC, and the home of soccer in the High Country is booming. However, project leaders could use a little help from community supporters to raise the final $70,000 needed for its pending mortgage payments. 

TMSC is the home field of the High Country Soccer Association (HCSA) as well as the Appalachian State University’s men and women soccer teams. Watauga County Parks and Recreation use TMSC for a portion of their youth soccer games, and an Adult Soccer League, a Hispanic Soccer League, and an Ultimate Frisbee League also play there. This complex has become a noted community asset.

The TMSC project is the result of a unique local partnership dating back to 2006. HCSA, Appalachian and Watauga County all played invaluable roles. The non-profit High Country Soccer Association agreed to raise the funds for field construction, to manage the complex, and to schedule the uses of the facilities. HCSA started a campaign in 2006 to raise the needed funds. They took out a construction loan in 2007. The total HCSA project cost has become $2,000,000 including mortgage interest until 2015. With three generous grants received this spring, only $70,000 now remains to be raised.  

The HCSA initially called the project “the Field of Dreams.” Those dreams of new horizons for youth soccer in the High Country are coming true. Participation is booming at all levels again this fall. The Junior Academy, Junior Avalanche, and the Avalanche Academy have over 150 players enrolled this fall. In addition, HCSA has 10 travel teams totaling over 130 Classic and Challenge level players, which play against other associations from North Carolina. Adult League numbers are also at a new high this fall. Adding a new level of play in this league provides adults of all ages and levels continued opportunities to play the game they love.

Soccer is the World’s Game and more people, young and old, are playing in the High Country than ever before. There are multiple community benefits. The missing ingredient in this final goal is YOU, our High Country neighbors.

The Campaign Committee of Chip Williamson, Art Rex, Gwen Dhing, Mark Gould, and Scott Davidson will be asking for your support this fall. For further information on how to get involved, email hcsoccer@hcavalanche.org