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Indoor soccer is the next step for Sarnia

The need for an indoor soccer facility remains a high priority in Sarnia, but Jay Noszenko says nothing is carved in stone. "I know there are rumours everywhere," said the president of Sarnia FC.
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The need for an indoor soccer facility remains a high priority in Sarnia, but Jay Noszenko says nothing is carved in stone.

"I know there are rumours everywhere," said the president of Sarnia FC.

It’s widely speculated that Germain Arena will eventually be converted to an indoor facility, he said.

"But Sarnia FC hasn't heard anything."

It doesn't matter if the indoor pitch is new or a retrofit of an existing facility, said Noszenko.

"We just want an indoor facility so our kids can play year-round."

Allowing Sarnia players to train 12 months annually would narrow the gap in talent with larger centres like London, Kitchener and Windsor, where players can practice indoors.

"It will be up to the City of Sarnia to find a suitable place and they will consult us," said Noszenko.

An indoor venue is the final piece of a three-phrase partnership between Sarnia FC and the city that has been in existence for about two years now.

The first two phases involved the installation of artificial turf at Alix Field at Norm Perry Park, and drainage and other improvements to the pitches at Germain Park.

Germain will become the full-time home to the club's development program next season, and is now the exclusive home of Water's Edge Classic and Festival, which was previously held under the bridge in Point Edward.

Noszenko said about half of a $250,000 development fund from Sarnia FC remains available to help move the process forward for an indoor soccer venue, should it be necessary.

- Barry Wright


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