Enid Sports Association (ESA)

PROJECT PURPOSE

Enid Sports Association, a registered 501(C)(3), and a group of civic-minded donors have partnered with the City of Enid to construct the Advance Soccer Complex. The top-of-the-line facility promises to be a successful private/public partnership that will promote community pride and enhance economic development. We have currently raised over $13,600,000 through the generosity of several donors who see the amazing vision of the Advance Soccer Complex. The purpose of the project is to provide a first-class facility for the thousands of youth soccer players in Enid and the state of Oklahoma. The current facility is built on a floodplain, forcing cancellations due to inclement weather. The $4,840,000 in ARPA funds would be used to install 7 full-size fields, 6 natural grass, and 1 artificial turf. Additionally, the funds would build adequate parking, restrooms, concessions. Lastly, the funds would provide a 14,000 square foot field house constructed to further development that would attract tournaments on all levels. The soccer complex will create economic opportunities for Enid by drawing in regional and national tournaments. Not only will the project spur economic impact in response to the pandemic, but it will also help young athletes and families that were disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

EVIDENCE

Sports tourism is an integral part of local economies. Annual sports tourism spending in the U.S. by travelers, organizers, and venues reached a $45 billion impact in 2019, a 20% increase since 2015, according to the Sports Events and Tourism Association. According to the Sports Events and Tourism Association, soccer has the highest long-term growth for youth sports in America. Soccer is the second most popular youth sport nationally for overall participation. There are approximately 36,222 youth soccer players in the state and this number is growing. 800 local players have already signed up for the Advance Soccer league.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Garfield County is a disproportionately impacted community. Garfield county falls in the bottom 50% of unemployment rate on a national level. ESA has a partnership with the YMCA to bring in equitable physical activity opportunities for the youth in Oklahoma. The project will support youth activities and YMCA programming throughout NorthWest Oklahoma. The City of Enid was deeply impacted by the pandemic, with restaurants and hotels being some of the industry?s most disproportionately affected. This project will provide great opportunity for the small businesses that were forced to shut down during the pandemic. Youth sports in America was one of the most disrupted industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Obesity among American children increased during the pandemic from 19% to 22% in just 12 months. 25% of parents reported their children?s mental health decreased during the pandemic, while 49% said it improved once restrictions were lifted and they could return to sports. Outdoor sports were a vital part of encouraging youth to physical activity. Outdoor sports were able to safely return sooner than indoor sports which resulted in 10% of children trying soccer for the first time.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Project performance will be measured by participation growth for youth and families in the Enid community. Additionally, the complex will be able to host tournaments which will lead to increased economic impact for local businesses. Data can be collected through the revenue of surrounding tourism in the restaurant, hotel, and transportation industries. In partnership with the private sectors involved, the required programmatic data will be tracked and incorporated into joint planning and economic reporting.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma