CBS soccer managers, players excited by shiny new turf
By Mark Squibb
The provincial government has pitched in $150,000 to help lay new turf at the CBS Soccer Pitch ahead of the 2025 Canada Games. The costly turf replacement was approved by council in July. On hand for the provincial funding announcement were, starting in the back row, from left: councillors Christine Butler, Paul Connors, Shelley Moores, and Rex Hillier, CBS Soccer Treasurer Calvin Randell, Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune MHA Elvis Loveless, councillor Joshua Barrett, and Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse; In the front row, from left, are: Harbour Grace- Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons, Premier Andrew Furey, Canada Games Girls Soccer team member Hillary Neville, and CBS Soccer President Tyler Antle. Mark Squibb photo
Premier Andrew Furey was in Conception Bay South last week to announce the provincial government will throw in $150,000 towards the upgrades at the Topsail Soccer Field ahead of the 2025 Canada Games.
“This is an investment in the Town of CBS and the people of CBS, and that in and of itself is important,” said Furey.
Furey told the crowd of about 35 people gathered for the announcement that his own children play soccer at the field.
“That’s not the reason we invested in it of course,” joked Furey, hailing back to the days when he was accused of greenlighting a high school in his hometown of Portugal Cove.
Council approved the replacement of the turf in July after Soccer Canada reviewed the field and found it wanting.
The contract includes the complete removal and disposal of the old turf followed by the installation of a new, high-quality turf with an estimated life span of 15 years at a cost of $940,350.
“We are incredibly grateful to the provincial government for their generous contribution,” said Deputy Mayor Andrea Gosse. “This funding represents more than just an investment in our sports facility. It’s a commitment to our community’s health, well-being, and the future of recreation. It ensures that our athletes will have access to top-quality facilities here in Conception Bay South.”
The CBS Soccer Club is also contributing $15,000 annually to the project for the next 15 years, totaling $225,000.
“This is a massive deal for our organization and our young athletes,” said Tyler Antle, President of the CBS Soccer Association “We needed this turf replaced.”
The club, one of the biggest in the province, hosted over 115 competitive games this year alone, with more to come once the new turf is installed, as well as soccer camps, team practices, development programs, and a Tim Bits Fun Day.
“Every year our club sees substantial growth, especially since COVID,” said Antle. “I think we’re tired of being indoors and wanted to get out and play and so we did what we do best, and we gave them a place to play, and this new turf will hopefully secure that for at least 15 to 20 years.”
Antle said there are many benefits for youths getting involved in local sport, from bettering their overall health to building confidence and character to learning how to be part of a team.
“A community like CBS Soccer is a great spot to grow and to play,” said Antle.
Hillary Neville, a 16-year-old Striker from Paradise and member of the 2025 Girls Soccer Team,
said the new turf is making her even more excited for the Canada Games competition next year.
“It will truly be an honor to play the sport I love so much on this turf in 2025,” said Neville. “It will be an experience I will always remember.”
She said that she enjoys the camaraderie of the game.
“I enjoy the atmosphere,” said Neville. “The coaches and the players are like one big family at this point.”
Neville said that playing on older, worn turf feels akin to playing on concrete, and that older turf also negatively impacts the ball’s bounce.
Besides the Topsail field, games will be played at the Memorial University field and the King George the Fifth pitch.
As reported by The Shoreline earlier this summer, the neighbouring community of Paradise will be paying over $800,000 to construct a beach volleyball court at Paradise Park that meets the rigid Canada Games criteria.
When asked if the provincial government would help offset those costs, Furey said he wasn’t yet aware if any monies had been earmarked for it. He added the money for the Topsail turf is an investment in all the communities along the Northeast Avalon, and the province at large.
“While one can have a very narrow focus on one particular investment, this is a broader picture of not just the Canada Games but the well-being of our communities and the people in them,” said Furey.