Youth soccer in east Salem got a boost recently as 500 kids are expected to play the game on a brand new field this spring.

The Final Pass Field was built at the East Salem Community Center at 1850 45th Ave. N.E. The grand opening was on Saturday, March 15. 

Construction on the new field began last year. The $800,000 project was funded using state dollars secured by state Rep. Kevin Mannix, a Salem Republican, as well as money from private foundations.

The field will be managed by Capital Fútbol Club, which operates several fields at its main facility about three miles away at 5201 State St.

The field will allow the club to expand its free youth soccer program, called Final Pass, said Collin Box, the executive director of the Capital Fútbol Club.

Box told Salem Reporter in an interview that the club has had a regular presence in east Salem but noticed an increasing demand at local schools for the types of youth sports programs it offers, which are designed to help build a positive influence in kids’ lives. 

“The more opportunity we can give these kids to do something positive and have a good outlet like playing sports,” Box said. “Those are the outcomes we like to see.” 

He said barriers to sports in Salem are both financial and geographical. 

“Kids don’t play because they can’t get to the field,” Box said. 

The soccer club is able to step in and remove those barriers, including helping coordinate rides. 

According to the club’s website, 7,000 children in the community participate in programs each year. 

Box said the club’s youth soccer programs are completely free for kids and are focused on making soccer more accessible regardless of background or circumstances. The programs, he said, are funded by a donor who covers most of the cost, and the club applies for grants that cover the rest. 

He said the club expects thousands of people to utilize the new field. It is open to the general community and can be reserved. It will also be open year round, he said. 

Box said the soccer club is also partnered with Salem for Refugees and said soccer is one way to foster community across language barriers. 

“On opening day we already had over 100 kids on the field,” Box said. 

The community center and the soccer club also contributed to the project, Box said. More information on the club’s youth soccer programs is available on the club’s website here.

Contact reporter Joe Siess: [email protected]. 

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