Soccer Complex Opens Winnipeg Sun

Pitches playable Soccer fields finally open.

By Glen Dawkins, STAFF REPORTER

After two seasons sitting idle, the Winnipeg Soccer Complex is finally back in business.

The Manitoba Major Soccer League held its first two games at the Winnipeg Soccer Complex since the 2003 season on Wednesday night with two more games scheduled for last night.

'HAPPY FACES'

"I saw a lot of happy faces out there (Wednesday night)," said MMSL third vice-president Brent Boulter yesterday. "Everyone was happy to be in there."

The reopening came after the Winnipeg Soccer Federation and the MMSL hammered out a user agreement with the city allowing the complex's three pitches to be used by the MMSL and the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association. The agreement also allows for the MMSL Fall Classic tournament to be held again on the Labour Day long weekend in September after being cancelled for two years.

"It's very important when we have teams from out of town coming in (for the MMSL Fall Classic) that we have a proper facility," said Boulter.

As well, the third round of the Manitoba Soccer Association's MSA Cup matches will be held there on Sunday, Aug. 7.

Discussions with the city have been ongoing for the last few months, according to WSF president and chair Keith Ferbers. After suffering through a record number of rescheduled games due to the poor weather, it was agreed to open up the pitches while discussions continue on a long-term agreement.

The agreement covers the remainder of the 2005 season.

"Now we need to take some time to discuss with the city the future of the complex," said Ferbers.

While the pitches are now operational, the clubhouse and changing rooms will remain closed. A decision will be made whether to try to get the clubhouse back in shape or bring in temporary changing rooms.

The complex was initially shut down because overuse was destroying the fields. Since then, the MMSL has played its Premier Division games at other pitches around Winnipeg putting a strain on those facilities.

The time off has allowed the soccer complex to bounce back.

"It became a good soccer pitch on its own," said Guffei