MassDevelopment

$6M to Restore Lancaster Soccer Fields

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Uses Tax-Exempt Bond from MassDevelopment & TD Bank to Replace Artificial Turf on Progin Park Soccer Fields & Repair Site Roads


January 13, 2022


Matthew Mogavero, 857-248-0868
mmogavero@massdevelopment.com

Sydney Ly
sly@massdevelopment.com 

Mike Borislow, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Inc., 978-466-8812
mborislow@mayouthsoccer.org

Photo of the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Fields at Progin Park in Lancaster, courtesy of Jason Fischer

LANCASTER, Mass. – MassDevelopment has issued a $6 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Inc., which will use a portion of bond proceeds to replace artificial turf on five synthetic soccer fields at Progin Park in Lancaster and repair site roads and pathways. TD Bank purchased the bond, which will also be used to refinance previously issued debt.

“Massachusetts is fortunate to have many exceptional youth sports organizations committed to providing fun and healthy recreational opportunities for children of all ages,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, who serves as chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “MassDevelopment is able to provide these nonprofit organizations the affordable options they need to upgrade facilities and improve amenities.” 

“Be it after-school practices or weekend matches, the work of youth sports organizations enriches the lives of young people, brings communities together, and drives foot traffic at nearby restaurants and stores,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “MassDevelopment is pleased to lend a helping hand to the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association as it improves fields, roads, and pathways at Progin Park in Lancaster to continue providing these kinds of recreation opportunities for its members.”

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Inc. is a large nonprofit educational and service youth soccer organization dedicated to the ongoing development of youth soccer players, coaches, referees, clubs, and leagues in an inclusive, safe, affordable, and fun environment. Featuring 14 leagues throughout the state, Massachusetts Youth Soccer welcomes athletes under 19 years of age within the state to foster their growth and transition to young adulthood. The organization is committed to embracing diversity and equality as well as ensuring each member’s qualities and participation are respected. Massachusetts Youth Soccer fields at Progin Park have been in use since 2007 and consist of 11 natural grass and five synthetic turf fields. 

“Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association greatly appreciates MassDevelopment’s continued relationship with our Association in providing financing to support our strategic plan to offer an exceptional soccer experience to our membership at the Progin Park facility in Lancaster,” said Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Inc. President Bob Trudeau. “The replacement of the artificial turf fields and infrastructure repairs to the facility will ensure our members continue to have a first-class venue to participate in the Association’s services, programs and events for many years to come.” 

MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2021, MassDevelopment financed or managed 416 projects generating investment of more than $1.86 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 6,578 jobs and build or preserve 1,909 housing units.