What: 

The Encinitas Soccer League (ESL) will raise funds and donate the proceeds to the City of Encinitas for a project to  replace the grass soccer field with artifícial turf at the Leo Mullen Sports Park. 

Why:

Each year, the Leo Mullen Soccer Field is closed for three(3) months for repairs and to be re-sod. ln addition, the field is also closed due to rain which causes rescheduling and missed practices. This reduction in field use and poor field conditions in the winter limits the attractiveness of the venue to many players and families. Due to this situation, these players and  families frequently seek opportunities with soccer clubs  in neighboring communities. Replacing the current grass field with artificial turf will address these issues and improve our overall community involvement by eliminating the need to close the field, enhancing  the field  quality, and  providing an  additional 30% - 4O% playingtime.

The artificial turf surface will also reduce the overall maintenance costs for the field. Current costs are over 550,000 a year and the new surface will reduce those costs to 510,000 per year. Artificial turf will also save hundreds of thousands of gallons of water currently used on the grass field. The City of Encinitas is intending to utilize these maintenance savings to replace  the turf  when it may be necessary in 10+ years.

There are over 6,000 artificial turf fields now in the United States, and the improved technology over the last 30 years  provides a safe and even surface to play on all year. FIFA, the world's governing body for soccer, continues to be in full  support of new generation artificial turf and truly believes in its advantages for soccer players  at all levels.

How:

The Encinitas Soccer League is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has approached the City of Encinitas to conduct a capital campaign to renovate the Leo Mullen Soccer Field. On August 24, 2011, the City Council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding and plan to replace the grass field at Leo Mullen with artificial turf. The campaign goal is to raise $950,000. ESL is seeking tax deductible donations from families, friends, relatives, corporations and foundations. A pledge form is downloable below along with the flyer explaining donor recognition levels. This is a chance for the local community to work together to provide a first class soccer facility in our city.

When:

The campaign time line is to have all the funds collected and pledges confirmed by January 31, 2O12 in order to get construction bids in place. Ground breaking is planned in March 2O12, to coincide with the normal closure period for field maintenance. We plan for a dedication at the completion of installation in June 2012.

lf you would like to serve on the campaign committee or have  any questions:
Contact John  Wadas, Cell: 858-945-6189 or  jwwadas@aol.com

DOWNLOAD PLEDGE FORM AND FLYER HERE.