By OSU Force Academy
Ottawa South United Soccer Club’s home at George Nelms Sports Park has a new addition this spring thanks to the installation of a world-class artificial turf field, again raising the bar at the region’s premiere soccer facility.
“This is a monumental step for our club,” underlines OSU General Manager Jim Lianos. “We’re very proud at OSU to continue to lead the way not only in player development, but also in facility development. The new turf field is already having an exceptionally positive impact on our community.”
Along with the surrounding floodlights, the durable turf playing surface greatly increases the number of hours the field can be used each day. The turf field also lengthens the outdoor season, since it can open earlier in spring than grass fields and be used later into the fall. The expanded capacity at George Nelms allows OSU to host more training and games – a luxury the club thoroughly enjoyed this pre-season.
“Having the domes in wintertime is crucial for us of course, but there’s no doubt players get an extra jump in their step once they get outside,” signals OSU Club Head Coach Paul Harris. “This is the earliest we’ve ever really been able to get outdoors, and that’s provided a big boost to our teams and players as they begin their competitive seasons.”
The opening of the turf field also allowed OSU to host its first-ever Spring Kickoff Classic on the May 7-8 and May 14-15 weekends. The inaugural event attracted over 120 boys’ and girls’ teams from the U8 through U16 levels, including participation from Toronto F.C. and Montreal Impact Academies.
“That’s a really strong reflection of our standing in Canada – that the pro clubs come to our tournament knowing that their Academy teams will get some real competition and quality matches when they play us. We were really pleased to have them,” Harris adds. “It’s another great example of our growing network and the reputation OSU has across the province and country.”
The turf field was built this past October and November by PCL Construction, with players at last getting to enjoy the stunning new addition after winter. The facility has garnered many compliments from visitors, particularly for its attention to detail, such as the inclusion of warm-up hurdles and rings beside the pitch.
“We are very pleased with how, through perseverance, collaboration and strong leadership from all parties involved, that we are seeing George Nelms Sports Park continue to grow and develop,” says OSU Club President Bill Michalopulos, saluting the City of Ottawa as well as Osgoode Councillor George Darouze for his timely and active support of the club. “Our hope for the future is that it becomes one of the flagship facilities within our country for player development.”