Club, township eye property for first soccer field

Atlas Twp.- The number of soccer fields may be growing in the township.
Representatives of the Goodrich Soccer Club, a local group consisting of about 400 area youth players plus a bevy of parents and coaches presented a conceptual plan to the township board of trustees Tuesday night for a new soccer field.
Harry Flotemersch, club chairman, along with Rick Kurkechian, fields and goals coordinator, attended the township meeting.
‘Soccer has exploded in the community,? said Kurkechian. ‘The success of Goodrich High School winning the state soccer championship last fall has added to the popularity of the sport locally. We look to place soccer fields in our community’the township property is an ideal location.?
The township owns approximately 11 acres on the site of the hall with frontage on Gale Road. The club is considering a section already partially cleared more than 300 feet behind the building.
Both Flotemersch and Kurkechian emphasized that no large trees or sensitive undergrowth would have to be removed during the excavation.
‘The ideal location lot parallels Goodrich School property,? said Flotemersch. ‘The GSC currently utilizes Goodrich school facilities and area churches, too. But we are just guests and that could end.?
‘We are looking to add just one field on the property,? said Kurkechian. ‘The club is willing to pay for construction of the field and lease the property from the township.?
Township Supervisor Shirley Kautman-Jones said she asked GSC members to attend the meeting to foster public discussion regarding the possibly of using the township property.
While no formal plans were presented, officials remained optimistic about development of the first recreational area in the township.
Township Attorney David Lattie, who attended the meeting, said several factors need to be considered including liability and keeping the property open to the public.
‘Other communities, like Fenton Township have arrangements with soccer teams,? said Lattie.
More discussions on the soccer field will be presented at future township meetings.