Area needs fields for all athletics

Wendy Huber Albemarle County
Published: April 11, 2008

I’d like to thank The Daily Progress for bringing attention to the fact that Albemarle County is in desperate need of “soccer fields” (“Soccer fields need urgent,” April 6).
I would, however, like to take issue with the use of the words “soccer fields.”
While this may have made the local soccer organizations smile, it made those of us who have children involved in other field-related sports disappointed.
Like those companies that make copy machines or inline skates, it hurts to hear things like “I need to make a Xerox copy” or “I love to Rollerblade.”
To us, the use of the words “soccer field” signaled that soccer (much like Xerox or Rollerblade) is pretty much the only game in town. I would have been happier to see the editorial writer use the words “athletic fields.”
There are other sports, outside of soccer, that are in dire need of field space.
Unfortunately, Albemarle County takes a historical approach to assigning fields. So if you needed eight fields last year, you can count on getting your eight fields again next year.
What happens if and when the participation in your sport grows?
Let me give you a perfect example.
The Boys Middle School Lacrosse League started in 1994 with eight teams. Each team was allocated a practice field at one of the local middle schools to use two days a week. Now, the league has 22 teams, with more than 400 kids playing, and still only has use of eight practice fields two days a week.
At one of the middle schools there are three teams trying to practice simultaneously on one field.
That’s right: 64 kids with sticks and flying balls trying to listen to their coaches, learn new skills and develop a love for the game of lacrosse.
How do new and growing sports compete with the perceived only game in town?
I hope the county does not try to find more “soccer fields,” as it will miss the chance to recognize the positive impact other sports, like lacrosse, can have on our kids and community.
What we really need is more “athletics fields.”