New Full-Sized 11v11 Synthetic Turf Playing Field ZYSA is excited to announce that the club has signed a contract with Byrne and Jones Construction to build a full-sized 11v11 synthetic turf playing field with lighting. The project is in the current planning stages, with Byrne and Jones creating the specs and drawings and the goal is for the field to be both designed and erected by year’s end. The field will be built on the footprint of the current Field #3—which sits just to the west of the Champ Stadium Field. The new construction will provide several key benefits: Durability and Longevity : Artificial turf is designed to withstand heavy usage and adverse weather conditions, reducing wear and tear and ensuring a consistently playable surface. This allows for more frequent and extended use without the need for recovery periods, making sure that players always have a high-quality field to train and compete on. Low Maintenance : Unlike natural grass, artificial turf requires minimal maintenance. There is no need for mowing, watering, field lining, or reseeding, which saves time and resources. This efficiency can be redirected into enhancing other aspects of the club, such as training programs and player development. Consistent Playing Surface : Artificial turf provides a uniform playing surface, reducing the risk of uneven patches and improves player performance as well as player safety. A consistent surface helps players both learn and develop to their full potential. All-Weather Usability : Synthetic turf drains quickly and doesn’t get muddy, allowing for play in various weather conditions without damaging the field or compromising safety. This reliability means fewer canceled practices, leading to better preparedness and performance. Cost-Effectiveness Over Time : Despite the initial investment, artificial turf can be more cost-effective in the long run due to reduced maintenance and lower replacement costs compared to natural grass. The financial savings can be reinvested in facilities, equipment, and coaching, enhancing the overall quality of the club. Increased Playing Opportunities : With its durability and low maintenance, artificial turf can accommodate more games and practice sessions without the need for recovery periods, maximizing the field’s usage throughout the calendar year. More playing time allows for better player development and more competitive teams. Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal : Our grass fields look great, however, the addition of a pristine and professional appearing artificial turf field will provide year-round visual appeal. Expanded Winter Training Options : The availability of an on-campus turf field will greatly alleviate overcrowding at the Indoor Training Facility during the Winter months as it will allow our travel program teams to make use of weekends as well as weeknight training times. The 72x116 playing surface, ideal for youth 11v11 matches, will also allow us to host two 9v9 games at the same time within that space, or two 7v7 fields. There will be 20’ tall netting stretching 60’ across behind each goal. ZYSA Board President, Chris Pettit stated, “The outdoor turf field on ZYSA campus provides an additional resource necessary for our teams to enhance their training. We are excited to bring an idea that has been in the works to fruition.” Sporting Director, Robert Klatte added, “the addition of the synthetic turf field will be a game changer for our club. The surface will assist in our players’ technical development and dramatically reduce the impact of inclement weather on our teams. The new field represents the club’ commitment to continuing to improve both our programming as well as our facilities.” Robert Klatte Union FC Indy Sporting Director rklatte@unionfcindy.org