5-13-2026 11:23am

Do We Really Need Seven More Soccer Fields?

John Williams Editor

Do We Really Need Seven More Soccer Fields? By Sue Goetz

The Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors recently voted to spend $5 million in Capital Improvement funds to buy the former FASA soccer fields from New Post Sports Complex LLC. These funds were not budgeted for this purpose, and according to the county’s own plan, they weren’t expected to be needed until after 2030.

Why Now?

In 2011, Tricord Inc. donated several lots to FASA to build a soccer complex meant to attract regional tournaments and boost the local economy.
The State of Virginia and Spotsylvania County provided grants, and FASA took out loans to develop the site.
Seven fields, a concession stand, and bathrooms were built.
In 2016, a wetlands parcel (Lot 8) was transferred to the county for free, then later transferred back to New Post Sports Complex.
In 2022, FASA transferred three lots to New Post Sports Complex LLC through a deed in lieu of foreclosure for $2.2 million.

What’s the Land Worth?

The land is deed‑restricted—it cannot be used for housing or commercial development.
Much of it is wetlands and a pond, limiting its usefulness.
The property has not been financially successful as a soccer facility.
Maintenance is expected to cost over $114,000 per year, while revenue from private soccer clubs is projected to be less than half of that.
The county currently assesses the land at $1.13 million.
Despite this, the Board purchased it for $5 million, more than double what it transferred for just 3½ years ago, with no major improvements made since.

Is There Really a Need for More Fields?

Supervisor Yakabowski stated that long‑term plans show a serious need for these fields. But the numbers don’t support that:

The county already has 14 Parks & Rec soccer fields and 6 school fields.
These serve 1,900 users on 22 teams—less than 100 users per field per week.
Yakabouski argued that waiting until after 2030 could raise costs to $15 million, so buying now is a “discount.”
However, the Community Development Plan does not support the claim that more soccer fields are an urgent need.

What Is a Critical Need?

The county’s own assessments identify far more pressing priorities:

Overcrowded schools and long waitlists for the Computer Technology program
Lack of reliable internet access, especially in rural areas
Water and sewer expansion and repairs
Limited transportation options
Sheriff’s Office vehicle needs that will arise long before new soccer fields are needed

Parks & Recreation also lists higher‑priority needs:

Community centers, especially after the Marshall Center closed
A teen recreation center
Basketball and softball complexes
Major pool repairs at Loriella Park
An indoor pool for year‑round use
Playground replacements, ADA upgrades, and repairs
Adult fitness facilities
More pickleball courts, especially after the Marshall Center closure

So Why Buy This Property?

Instead of addressing the needs identified in the county’s own assessments—paid for with taxpayer dollars—the Board chose to purchase seven soccer fields and surrounding unusable land.

As announced at the Board meeting:

Hunting will now be banned in the wetlands
Fishing will be restricted due to safety concerns

This property had been on the market for years with no buyers. Yet the county has now effectively bailed out a private corporation by purchasing it.

There was no referendum, no public hearing, and no notice beyond the Board meeting itself.

Something Doesn’t Add Up

This purchase was not a critical need, and the process raises serious questions about priorities, transparency, and responsible use of taxpayer funds.