Dayton Dutch Lions News Release -- www.dutchlionsfc.com
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dutch Lions are proud to announce the addition of an artificial playing surface to West Carrollton HS Stadium as part of an ongoing partnership with the West Carrollton City Schools.
The Dutch Lions previously invested in two grass fields at the same location, but this purchase shows an even greater commitment to the local community and schools. It gives the Dutch Lions youth academy a lighted turf field, allowing them to play year-round. This also brings the entire Dayton Dutch Lions organization, including the men’s USL PRO and women’s USL W-League teams, to a single location for training and matches.
"It's very rewarding to be able to do something for the West Carrollton community and school district and at the same time finally getting our Dayton Dutch Lions Soccer Complex,” Dutch Lions Group BV President Mike Mossel said. “With putting a turf field in the West Carrollton HS Stadium we are elevating the level of our partnership to a next level. The school has been great to work with from the beginning and I am very proud to be able to say we are their partner.”
This project would not have been possible without the support of Dr. Suresh Gupta and the Dayton Outpatient Center.
“It is our enormous privilege to affiliate Dayton Outpatient Center with West Carrolton City Schools and the Dayton Dutch Lions Football Club in order to donate a new surface for the football, soccer, and all sports stadium,” Gupta said. “We are humbled to play a role in this endeavor and look forward to witnessing, alongside parents and local residents, the growth of these athletes as they strive to attain their academic and professional dreams.”
The field will be officially opened on May 10 when international soccer legend Ruud Gullit, winner of both the World and European Player of the Year awards, comes to West Carrollton for the kickoff of the Dayton Dutch Lions FC and LA Galaxy II match. The first two USL PRO matches will be played at Beavercreek HS while the construction project is being completed.
The local schools are equally excited about the opportunity and partnership.
"The Dayton Dutch Lions are the premier soccer organization in the Dayton region,” West Carrollton City Schools Superintendent Rusty Clifford said. “The West Carrollton Schools are ‘Pirate Proud’ to partner with the Dutch Lions so together we can provide excellence in teaching, coaching, and instruction - in the classroom, on the field, and for life."