Group plans spccer fields in Odessa

    ODESSA—The Chemung Valley Soccer Association is proposing constructing a 16 acre soccer complex in Odessa, off of Church Street.
    Area Coach Jim Nolan explained the CVSA serves Schuyler, Chemung, and Steuben Counties. Teams play during the spring and fall seasons. Nolan said there are over 100 teams per season, with anywhere between 1,500 and 3,000 children participating each year. Schuyler had 11 soccer teams this spring. Nolan said there were about 150 children, but the fall season usually has better participation.
    Nolan explained the group needed a new playground because there is only one in Schuyler County at B.C. Cate elementary in Montour Falls. He added that games have been canceled because the field was too wet and there weren’t any alternative fields nearby. He explained the group either rents or leases other fields to use, so owning a series of fields would help the association.
    The plan includes six soccer fields at this time, two each of the three different sizes the soccer group uses for different age levels. Nolan said the Odessa village board approved a zoning change to allow the soccer fields at the proposed location. However, he added that the sale has not been finalized yet. He said the group still needs to get other planning board approvals before moving ahead with the purchase and work. He added the association is still in negotiations with the landowner.
    Nolan said a driveway needs to be built and there are drainage issues near the road that need to be addressed. He also said the homeowners around the property will need to be contacted. Nolan explained that the soccer fields will not be competed by this year’s fall season, but most likely for next year.