All Conditions Field Opens in Woodbridge, VA

As part of a 5-year, $5 million commitment to provide 50 world-class soccer field grants to communities across the U.S., NikeGO and the U.S. Soccer Foundation joined Prince William Soccer Inc. (PWSI) and the Prince William County Park Authority to celebrate the opening of Jim Claffey Field with a dedication ceremony at Howison Homestead Soccer Complex on May 20. Named after a PWSI volunteer and soccer advocate who has been with the organization since its founding, the new field is the eleventh All Conditions Field completed as part of the Nike and Foundation partnership, which began in 2004 to promote youth soccer and provide kids with more places to play.

PWSI, one of the largest soccer clubs in the region, works with children, regardless of athletic ability, to develop character, sportsmanship and teamwork through its soccer programs. By upgrading the first of three fields at Howison Homestead Park, the Prince William Soccer community is addressing a field shortage in the community.

"Prince William Soccer is excited to bring this new All Conditions Field to our players and our community," said PWSI President, Joe Re. "We appreciate the assistance of our partners; especially the U.S. Soccer Foundation, NikeGO and the Prince William County Park Authority in making this world-class field a reality. Top-notch facilities with All Conditions Fields such as this are critical to enhancing opportunities for player development. This new field will allow PWSI to continue to offer a variety of quality programs in all weather conditions."

Following the ceremony, area soccer players tested their skills, and the new field, while participating in a Nike Joga3 tournament - a faster game of 3v3 futsal played on mini-pitches.

"The mission of the U.S. Soccer Foundation is to enhance, assist and grow the sport of Soccer in the United States, and the biggest obstacle is the lack of playing fields," said John Koskinen, President of the Foundation. "Our All Conditions Fields Program, is designed to increase the opportunities for all, particularly our young people, to participate in the world's most popular sport. We are proud to support Prince William Soccer Inc. in making this new, lighted, synthetic grass field, made by FieldTurf, a reality."