Update on some soccer field news and views
Last week I raved about the condition of the Westminster Christian School soccer fields, but this week I have to offer a little even handed criticism, and absolutely none of it is directed toward Oconee Futbol Club.
The condition of the fields are fine, but it is the elements around the fields that need to be improved drastically. I understand the need for constant up-keep and revision, but the state of disrepair this weekend was highly unacceptable. The three soccer games going on were unimpeded by the general state of trash and disorganization. Just a quick clean up would take care of the large part of the trashy look around the fields.
There were big piles of grass seed bags and other signs of neglect that a few bales of hay might do well to disguise. The trash around the stream is very unsightly. There are garbage cans which could very well be strategically placed around the grounds but instead are gathered in a hideous group near the aforementioned stream.
With people coming from Habersham, Barrow and elsewhere to a small private school in Oconee County to play elite level soccer here on our fields, shouldn't we put our best foot forward and have a little better facility upkeep and maintenance? I am hoping the situation we saw this weekend was an aberration and not the norm. It was hard to go see these talented kids battle on the back pitch with a net of grass seed tangling up our way (and we weren't even wearing cleats).
I see soccer as a means to compete and recreate with kids all over the state of Georgia. High expectations are the only way we are ever going to compete with some of the metro Atlanta area teams. We are a good five to 10 years behind the Fayettes, Rockdales, Gwinnetts, DeKalbs and even Fulton counties, but a generation of proper infrastructure will help even the playing fields for this suburban county. I heard countless comments from parents of all stripes about how gorgeous the small fields of Westminster were, but the entry to these hidden gems needs a little scouring to help us all shine better. I am sure it will happen as the season progresses.
Next time we head to the pitch I should remember to bring my camera so I can document said hopeful improvement to the peripheries of the several soccer fields off New High Shoals Road in Oconee County.
The condition of the fields are fine, but it is the elements around the fields that need to be improved drastically. I understand the need for constant up-keep and revision, but the state of disrepair this weekend was highly unacceptable. The three soccer games going on were unimpeded by the general state of trash and disorganization. Just a quick clean up would take care of the large part of the trashy look around the fields.
There were big piles of grass seed bags and other signs of neglect that a few bales of hay might do well to disguise. The trash around the stream is very unsightly. There are garbage cans which could very well be strategically placed around the grounds but instead are gathered in a hideous group near the aforementioned stream.
With people coming from Habersham, Barrow and elsewhere to a small private school in Oconee County to play elite level soccer here on our fields, shouldn't we put our best foot forward and have a little better facility upkeep and maintenance? I am hoping the situation we saw this weekend was an aberration and not the norm. It was hard to go see these talented kids battle on the back pitch with a net of grass seed tangling up our way (and we weren't even wearing cleats).
I see soccer as a means to compete and recreate with kids all over the state of Georgia. High expectations are the only way we are ever going to compete with some of the metro Atlanta area teams. We are a good five to 10 years behind the Fayettes, Rockdales, Gwinnetts, DeKalbs and even Fulton counties, but a generation of proper infrastructure will help even the playing fields for this suburban county. I heard countless comments from parents of all stripes about how gorgeous the small fields of Westminster were, but the entry to these hidden gems needs a little scouring to help us all shine better. I am sure it will happen as the season progresses.
Next time we head to the pitch I should remember to bring my camera so I can document said hopeful improvement to the peripheries of the several soccer fields off New High Shoals Road in Oconee County.
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