Hundreds of participants in the McFarland Soccer Club will receive an upgrade to their playing fields thanks to a $10,000 donation from McFarland State Bank.
The money will go toward a new 4,900-square-foot multi-purpose steel structure that will have restrooms, a concession stand, storage and meeting space for the club as well as McFarland, Wis., community members.
A groundbreaking event on June 4 at the Wisconsin soccer club’s fields marked the start of construction on the building that will play host to McFarland soccer-playing youth, their fans and visiting teams. Established in 1982, the soccer club has 600 youth members from U6 through high school competing on 40 different teams.
The club holds a fundraising tournament each year, and without basic amenities onsite for visiting teams, hosting the tournament is challenging, said club president Andy Witt. Previously the club hosted games and tournaments out of two sheds and rented tents and portable restrooms. With the addition of the new building, the soccer club hopes to increase the number of tournaments it hosts on the grounds and provide a better experience for the growing number of players and families who are joining the club.
“We are pleased to donate to the McFarland Soccer Club construction project,” said Michael Moderski, president of McFarland State Bank. “Many of our employees live and work in McFarland and have kids, grandkids, friends or neighbors who play soccer. This facility will make visits to the fields even more enjoyable and allow the club to improve on what’s already a valuable recreational opportunity.”
In addition to the bank’s cash donation, McFarland State Bank is also financing part of the project in collaboration with the Village of McFarland. The building is due to be completed September 1, in time for the fall soccer season to kick off.
“We are grateful for the support from McFarland State Bank, the Village of McFarland and numerous individuals, including Jeff and Chuck Davis of Davis Steel and Mike Chandler, the club’s former president, who have contributed to the success of this project,” Witt said.