
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, November 16, 1995                   TAG: 9511160012
SECTION: NEIGHBORS                    PAGE: S-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

CLUB WORKING TO PAY FOR ITS NEW COMPLEX

There's been talk about a new soccer complex in the Roanoke Valley for at least a decade, but this year, action has spoken louder than words.

The $350,000 Vinyard Complex near Vinton was completed this summer. Now that the grass has been planted, the club is only waiting for it to take root.

If the weather cooperates, teams could begin play on five new fields in the spring. But, only if the conditions are right.

"We're not going to rush it," said Roanoke Valley Youth Soccer Club board member Philip Moore.

Moore coordinated the work of eight companies this year, including such details as irrigation, fencing and landscaping. "If necessary, it will be worth it to us to wait until next fall," he said.

Despite a rainy period in June and a drought at summer's end, "we had ideal weather for growing grass for most of the year," Moore said. "We were able to cut the new grass three times by the end of October."

Although the construction work is practically done, fund raising to pay for the complex is not. Much of the profit from this weekend's First Virginia Bank Fall Soccer Classic will go to the complex.

Many Star families and companies have made contributions, and about half of the money had been received before ground was broken.

Mary Page Gwaltney, fund-raising coordinator for the club, reported that several additional activities are helping to raise money.

Seven Roanoke-area restaurants worked with the club this fall on a "Buy One, Get One Free" promotion. A group of 15 coupons sold for $4, and the Star netted $2.50 on each sale.

"We made $5,000 on that," Gwaltney said. The club includes about 425 players.

In September, the club promoted three separate "Picture and Pizza Nights" at the complex, where team members and families were invited to dine for $7 per person. A team photo also cost $7. The event raised $2,091.

The Star is working with Kroger, where certificates worth $50 net the club $2.50 each. Between April and September, the club turned in more than $15,000 in grocery certificates, earning $750 for the club.

Gwaltney also said club members have been willing to open up their homes for dinner parties to raise money.

One of the highlights of next year's projects is a soccer carnival, slated for April 27 at the complex.

by CNB