AYSA sports complex opening promises economic boost and community engagement

ABILENE, Texas — Ten full-size soccer fields will open at the Abilene Youth Sports Authority at the end of the month.

However, the fields are just the beginning as there’s an entire complex underway, and the ASYA said that the complex will boost youth sports in the community.

The new Recreation Outdoor Complex, also known as ‘ROC’, is a $29 million project, all privately funded.

The facility includes ten full-sized soccer fields, four turf and six grass, surrounding a clubhouse at the center of the complex.

“We have the First Financial Clubhouse that sits here that will have AYSA offices, Fellowship of Christian Athletes offices, conference rooms, concession stands, bathrooms, and then a kids activity area will be upstairs,” said Brandon Osborne, the executive director of AYSA.

Osborne said the fields will be ready Sept. 27 with the clubhouse expected to open later this fall.

He adds the ROC is designed to bring a different level of competition and opportunity to West Texas.

“Well, this will benefit the kids because of this opportunity to play,” Osborne said. “Soccer and football will be played here primarily, but we will also have other sports such as lacrosse and rugby. We’ve even talked about having quidditch here.”

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The facility is also expected to have a big economic impact by drawing teams from across Texas and surrounding states.

“We’re in the sweet spot, I would say, off of West Texas because Lubbock, Midland, Odessa, Fort Worth, we can bring them all here to Abilene,” Osborne said. “They can dine in our restaurants, they can sleep in our hotels and just experience Abilene in a different way.”

Beyond sports, Osborne said the goal is to provide a safe and positive environment that keeps kids active and engaged.

“Our culture is a little bit different because we do have a Christian mindset behind everything that we do,” Osborne said. “And so part of that we hope will allow the kids to not just have a good sports experience, but also a good life experience.”

To celebrate, AYSA will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Sept. 27, and for information on tickets and events, visit AYSA’s website.