When their first location opened in September of 2015, Beacon Soccer had finally accomplished what they set out to do, making the world's sport even more accessible.
Now, three years later, their mission continues. Tucked behind Lansing's Southwest Community Coalition sits the future site of Beacon Soccer's second field.
"Southwest Lansing is seeing a bit of a revival, everyone wants to see real positive things happen for the area, so it seemed like the perfect spot, kids want to play soccer," said Co-creator Scott Dane.
Dane and co-creator Camron Gnass brought the idea of urban soccer to Lansing after seeing them implemented by FIFA after the 2010 world cup, an idea that would connect soccer players of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.
"It will be a real gathering point, and a safe place. A park as a whole for recreational activities," said Dane.
Beacon Soccer is working with the city of Lansing; their new field will be accompanied by a retention pond, children's playground, and a half-mile walking path surrounding the park.
Just like the original, the new field will serve as a beacon of hope for Lansing's youth, and for the community itself.
"The response we've had and the cultures that show up and the sense of pride and ownership that the kids at Ferris Park have when they come to play at beacon soccer field is beyond any of our wildest imaginations or dreams, so we hope to replicate that here in southwest Lansing, we understand the importance of place-making and being able to put a high quality field in an area that really needs more recreational activities," said Dane.
The field is expected to be finished this fall, and the park as a whole will be completed this coming spring.
