Community celebrates as multi-million dollar Genesis Centre turf pitch fully opens
Soccer and field lacrosse are both expected to round up new players in the city’s northeast, as the first official turf field has been completed and is now open to the community.
The pitch, located at the Genesis Centre, will be a second home for many young kids aspiring to make it to the world stage.
“It starts here, then goes by level by level,” said player Ghazwan Ahmed.
“We want to become like a real soccer player, like we want to be famous – soccer famous,” said Khalaf Zendina, who enjoyed a soccer match on the new artificial grass.
The $6-million project broke ground in the spring, with funding coming from the province and the city.
Sherry King, executive director at Genesis Centre, says this field allows for more opportunities in the northeast communities.
“We really want to foster youth and sports and there are so many people in our community who have never had a chance to play soccer, never picked up a basketball,” she said.
“Outside maybe their school opportunity, they don’t get that.”
Mayor Naheed Nenshi says this turf pitch was brought forward by councillor George Chahal early in his term on council.
He’s excited for the community to access the field.
“They last longer, they are better quality and you can play them through most of the year, except when there is really deep snow,” said Nenshi.
“It will allow real opportunities for kids to play field sports, including soccer and field hockey.”
Several hundred community members were present for the unveiling.
Councillor George Chahal says the city has 78 high quality fields and this one is the first in the northeast.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.