Port Moody Soccer Club (PMSC) is saying so long to summer and preparing to kick off a new season with a special evening of activities tomorrow (Sept. 1).
The club is hosting an "End of Summer Kick Around" at Trasolini Field with games, challenges and even a visit from Spike — the Vancouver Whitecaps mascot.
The organization says it's a way for current and prospective players, and their families, to reconnect with soccer after a summer away prior to the start of practices next week, and the first league games set for Sept. 10 and 11.
The event runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for players in the U2-U3 introductory Tyke program up to U10, and from 6:30 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. for U11 to U18 players.
PMSC has 1,700 members in its youth and after-school programs, along with 400 adult players.
Meanwhile, the club is still waiting for work to begin on construction of a new turf field at Inlet Park. The $6.2-million project to replace the current gravel all-weather pitch was announced last April, with completion anticipated in late 2023.
The dusty facility has been largely relegated to use as a parking lot for special events at nearby Rocky Point Park, or as parking for construction and film crews, confining PMSC’s ability to expand its programming beyond its existing artificial turf fields behind the Port Moody Recreation Complex and next to Heritage Woods Secondary, as well as grass pitches at North Shore, Aspenwood and Westhill parks.
The new FIFA-regulation pitch will also have the capability to be divided into three smaller Super-8 fields for younger players, and softball diamonds will be marked into the corners.
There will also be a couple of playgrounds and a new parking lot for 88 vehicles.
"This should be a soccer field that’s precious to the city," said PMSC president Matthew Campbell.
The cost of the project is being split between the provincial government, which is kicking in $4.4 million, and the city, which is contributing the remaining $1.65 million.
Thursday's event is set to include hot dogs and prizes, including Whitecaps’ tickets and an autographed jersey.
For more information, you can visit the PMSC website.
