Facility upgrades at Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex support adaptive athletics

The Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex allows those of all abilities a place to come and play.

Participating in sports is an integral part of so many lives in communities across America. In fact, the National Survey of Children’s Health found that around 55% of children participate in youth sports and according to the Department of Health and Human Services participating in sports leads to higher confidence and improved cognitive performance. At the same time, those with disabilities are often not offered the same opportunities.

The YMCA of Greater Montgomery reported that in Montgomery and within most metropolitan areas, around a third of households have an individual with some form of disability. Whether a child or an adult, they may not be able to participate in sports the same way as others can. This leaves a void in the community and in the world of sports.

The TOPSoccer program (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities is a new initiative being hosted at the Montgomery YMCA Emory Fomar Soccer Complex that aims to fill that void. This program is specifically designed for children and adults with all kinds of differing abilities. TOPSoccer caters directly to them in a fun and engaging way. Participants learn new skills while engaging with coaches and are also paired with skilled young adult soccer players.

The newest additions and renovations at the Montgomery Folmar Soccer Complex include a wheelchair-friendly, multipurpose acrylic court to support adaptive sports programs like TOPSoccer. This court can cater to more individuals with disabilities and bring them into the game. The improvements create access and opportunities for those all over the River Region. The adaptive TOPSoccer program has flourished at Emory Folmar and will continue to grow because of the improvements at the complex.

As stated by Montgomery County Commission Chair Doug Singleton at the facility ribbon cutting, “This facility will allow every individual to play sports.”

In addition to these renovations, the fields also got an upgrade. Three of the outdoor fields now feature synthetic turf, and new turf was added to the indoor arena. New locker rooms and restrooms were also included in the renovations. In all, the facility boasts eight lighted regulation fields and two championship stadium fields. These improved fields are capable of hosting large state tournaments as well as professional and semi-professional leagues, bringing more people and economic growth to Montgomery. With the improvements, the facility can now be touted as one of the state’s leading complexes to play and host.

GMC has been a proud partner of the Montgomery YMCA for many years, including various projects at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex. The team provided landscape architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering and environmental services for the recent upgrades.