Construction of Full-Sized 11v11 Synthetic Turf Playing Field
Rob Klatte • June 7, 2024
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
ZYSA Sporting Director
317-938-2854
Jimi Kim Selected as the 2025 Indiana Soccer Boys Travel Coach of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ZYSA Selects Union FC Indy as New Name for its Travel Program Zionsville, IN — February 17, 2025 Announcement Zionsville Youth Soccer Association (ZYSA) is broadening its reach throughout central Indiana. Founded in 1979, ZYSA is rebranding its travel program (including Futures, Pathway and junior/senior Travel teams) to Union FC Indy — reflecting a commitment to serving communities and soccer players beyond its home base. The Club’s thriving Recreational program and popular fall Socctoberfest tournament will continue to operate as ZYSA. The transition marks a significant milestone in the club’s journey, focusing on growth, connecting soccer communities, and the development of future soccer talent in Central Indiana. This change reflects our continued commitment to elevating the club’s competitiveness, expanding our reach, and solidifying our position as a premier destination for youth soccer development.
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ZYSA CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FUND As ZYSA continues working on long-term development, the Club has moved forward with another partnership! ZYSA has now opened a Donation Account with Stifel, an investment firm based out of St. Louis, while working with local Zionsville resident and Sr. VP Investments, Edward Valdettaro, at a local Indy branch. Purpose To raise funds in order drive the development of the Club, in turn to help players learn and develop, both on and off the field, while continuing to make a lasting impact in the community. Capital Campaign Fund Goal $3,500,000 What is a Donation Account? ZYSA is a 501c(3) organization, meaning we are a non-profit, or charity. As such, a non-profit may receive not only cash donations, but marketable securities as well, like individual stocks, mutual funds, and bonds. Donating to charity feels good, but so does the tax deduction! It’s not surprising that nearly 75% of high-income taxpayers donate cash to charity. But, fewer than 10% donate marketable securities. When you donate appreciated securities to a qualified charity, the fair market value is deducted from your taxable income and neither you, nor the charity will be taxed on the capital gain. Therefore, you can make a bigger impact with your charitable donation by gifting your stocks, rather liquidating them and gifting the cash that remains after you’ve paid federal capital gains tax. Donating From a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) A donor-advised fund, or DAF, is like a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. If you have a DAF, or open/create one, when you contribute cash, securities, or other assets, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth in the Donor Advised Fund, and you can recommend grants to any eligible IRS-qualified public charity. Donor-advised funds are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give to charity. DAF’s do cost money and have stipulations just like any other type of investment account, so please consult your Finance/Tax Advisor on whether you should open and donate to this type of investment account. Donating From A Retirement Account If you have a Traditional IRA, you can make your donations via a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), which is a distribution from your individual retirement account (IRA). You must be age 70½ or older to make a QCD. A qualified charitable distribution is not taxed, nor is it included in your taxable income. If certain conditions are met, QCDs also can count toward the required minimum distributions (RMDs) that people who are age 73 or older must meet each year if they have traditional IRAs How to Donate Download this PDF and provide to your financial advisor. The instructions will help to complete the donation from your investment account, to the ZYSA Capital Campaign Fund. Stifel Indianapolis NW Branch 600 E 96 th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Suite 575 | (317)-571-4600 ** Please seek advice from your financial and tax professional on which assets to donate, and from which type of account.**
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Rob Klatte, Sporting Director at ZYSA, and diving into his journey in soccer, coaching, and some fun facts along the way!
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