[August 30, 2011] Booster club looks to upgrade soccer facility Tweet MT. VERNON, Aug 29, 2011 (Mt. Vernon Register-News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A group of Mt. Vernon soccer supporters is aiming at upgrading the facilities at Lincoln Park. The first step was to form a booster club, which happened on Aug. 30. Then the group outlined its goals for the program. Now they're trying to put those goals into action. This fall marks the 11th season of soccer at Mt. Vernon, and Jim Duncan, Mt. Vernon Soccer Booster Club president, said there has been talk for some time about forming a club to raise money for the program. This year it happened. "We've dreamed about a press box," Duncan said. "We've dreamed about stop nets on the ends and a concession restroom area. We've talked about that for years." Robert Stewart, the group's vice president, approached Duncan and said he wanted to officially start the club. On Aug. 30 the group formally met to elect a nine member board of directors. Within that group of nine there are four officers. Duncan is the president with Stewart as the vice president. Jeff Scarbrough is the secretary, and Jeff Harpole is the treasurer. "In order for soccer to become more appealing to kids in Mt. Vernon, more people need to see it as a first-class operation," Duncan said. "It's not a modified YMCA program. It really needs to be a first-class high school program." Some of the dream projects could be years away, but one project that is expected to be in place by the end of the year are the two stop nets behind each goal. The nets will prevent the game ball from rolling into the parking lot on the south end of the field or the cornfield on the north. One has already been ordered and will arrive in about week with installation occurring in the middle of September. The club also hopes to take over maintenance responsibilities of the field from the city. "You know with the restraints on the budget in the city, it's tough on them," Duncan said. Duncan added a press box would include a public address system and would allow the team to film their games for training purposes. Duncan said the film would add a much needed aspect to the program. "That's one of the critical things we're missing right now in our soccer development," Duncan said. "The guys just don't get to see what they're doing right, and what they're doing wrong." The group is currently accepting memberships. The cost is $15 for an individual and $20 for a family. Those who want to become a member of the club can contact Duncan at 214-8511. The group is planning a fundraiser the first Saturday of October, which will be a pork chop dinner. ___ (c)2011 the Mt. Vernon Register-News (Mount Vernon, Ill.) Visit the Mt. Vernon Register-News (Mount Vernon, Ill.) at register-news.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]