Surrey United Soccer Club opens new training facility in Cloverdale

Surrey United Soccer Club (SUSC) opened a new state-of-the-art training facility at Cloverdale Athletic Park on Sept. 22. The club plans to open the Envision Financial Sport Centre to the general public in October.

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, Vancouver Whitecaps legend Carl Valentine, City of Surrey representatives and other guests attended the opening ceremony. Locke said the facility is important for sport and youth in Surrey, and praised the partnership between the city and the club.

SUSC sporting director Jeff Clarke said the project required substantial work and faced hurdles including higher product prices and tariff-related issues involving materials. He said the centre is intended to become a community hub for enjoyment, health and introducing people to sports.

The facility will be available for other sports. SUSC is currently offering free lawn bowling for seniors, while baseball and lacrosse are also expected to use the centre. Its mezzanine viewing area will give parents a warm, dry place to watch children play and connect with one another.

Clarke said community support from small businesses, members and fundraising drives was essential to completing the project. Valentine said indoor facilities provide children with more sporting opportunities, while Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce executive director Scott Wheatley called the centre much needed for Cloverdale.

A parking lot along 64th Avenue is to be completed soon, initially with gravel and later paved. It will be available when the building opens in October. Facility bookings are available through surreyunitedsoccer.com.