VSA announces plans to renovate James Long Park

HAYMARKET, VIRGINIA – The Virginia Soccer Association (VSA) Board of Directors and staff announced Monday that the three turf fields at James Long Park will get a state-of-the-art renovation that delivers unparalleled player safety, extraordinary durability and minimal environmental impact.

As the James Long Park turf fields were near the end of their lifespan, the need for field improvements was paramount.  The VSA Board of Directors and staff completed nearly two years of research to satisfy the club’s requirements for player safety and team performance.

 “We underwent an extensive evaluation of the turf products in the marketplace to find the best for our athletes and our club,” said Michael Bachman, president, VSA Board of Directors. “What we are getting is an elite level turf system that will significantly benefit our players for years to come.”

Core Contractors, LLC (Core) located in Woodbridge, VA has been selected to manage the $1.6 million installation of Shaw Sports Legion Turf and Brock USA state-of-the-art BrockFILL® and ShockPad system.  With more than 20 years athletic field construction experience in the DC Metropolitan area, Core will provide ongoing service of the fields to ensure that ball playability and athlete performance are maintained.

“VSA is a forward-thinking soccer club that definitely does its homework. We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with them on this project,” explained Fred Farber, founder and owner, Core Contractors.

“We are committed to excellence in terms of our club’s player development, staffing and organization structure,” commented Matt Lacey, executive director, VSA. “As we continue to move forward and grow, our new, leading-edge turf fields are right in line with our club’s vision and further position VSA as the premier soccer club in Northern Virginia.”

For several years, VSA anticipated the field turf investment and developed a financial plan so member fees would not be significantly impacted.

“VSA players and families are at the heart of every decision we make,” commented Bachman, “We’ve been fiscally responsible for years, so our members would reap the rewards of top-of-the-line and environmentally-friendly playing surface.”

The decision to move forward with Shaw Sports Legion Turf and Brock USA BrockFILL™ and ShockPad system is rooted in data and extensive research, while meeting the club’s commitment to player safety and team performance.

The current turf will be replaced with Shaw Sports Legion, a fiber turf that looks like natural grass, allows for better ball roll and is more durable than the current turf at the fields.

Replacing the current black rubber crumbs will be BrockFILL™, an organic infill that is manufactured from sustainable harvested trees in the southeastern US that undergo a 12-step proprietary process.  The new infill will deliver better traction, greater durability and lower field temperatures.  Additionally, the natural crumbs lessen abrasions during falls.

Under the turf and infill will be a revolutionary ShockPad system that was awarded a coveted ‘cradle to cradle’ (C2C) certification, meaning there is no waste at the end of life.  These ShockPads utilize the highest safety and performance available today and offer an added level of head injury protection for all players on the fields.

“By combining BrockFILL™with our ShockPad/17 system, the risk of concussions and lower extremity injuries are dramatically reduced,” explained Ronnie Pascale, east region vice president, Brock USA. “We are thrilled to work with the Matt Lacey and the VSA Board of Directors and staff who are demonstrating their commitment to their players and club.”

Michael Bachman commended the Club’s growing membership, community and Prince William County Parks and Recreation who have supported the turf renovation. “We are very fortunate to have a supportive community that includes VSA families, coaches, fans and local businesses,” Bachman said. “The turf renovations are a celebration of that high level of support making VSA a club we can be proud of, on and off the field.”