GVTC scores naming rights to Bulverde area sports complex
 

GVTC has signed a long term agreement with World Wide Soccer L.L.C. to place its name on a sports complex being brought back to life. The GVTC Communications Sportsplex is at the location of the former Northeast Youth Soccer Organization facility on 29064 Bulverde Road. World Wide Soccer recently purchased the 42 acre site and has big plans to make it the premier outdoor sports facility in the Hill Country.

The six year contract allows GVTC to place its signage at the field entrance and throughout the complex. The GVTC name will also be displayed on the World Wide soccer website promoting games, seasonal camps, training programs and other activities to he held at the new complex.

“We project thousands of fans every year will see the GVTC Communications brand at the Sportsplex or on the World Wide Soccer website.” Jeff Mnick, GVTC vice president, sales and marketing, said. “This is an excellent opportunity to have our name associated with one of the fastest growing sports in the country, and with a first class facility right in our service area.” 

World Wide Soccer is a venture headed by Jay Sparrow. A former semi-pro player in England, Sparrow moved to the area to open World Wide Soccer, he later went on to organize and direct the popular SA United Soccer Club, which is currently home to more than 700 players.

Sparrow saw the upside of the old Northeast Soccer facility. He knew it was the ideal location to grow the World Wide Soccer programs.

Eight playing fields are planned for the GVTC Sportsplex, with two of them dedicated to the SA United Soccer Club. To generate additional revenue, Sparrow plans to rent the fields year round for soccer tournaments, season camps, other teams needing a well-kept practice field, and other sporting activities.  

“Geographically we’re located among a large group of kids,” Sparrow said. “The North side of town continues to develop and this facility will be appealing to those parents and players who don’t want to drive into San Antonio to practice or play games.”

During the past few months, Sparrow and his manager, Noel Hatherall, have put in a lot of work making the soccer fields playable again.

“The commitment from GVTC keeps us moving forward with our plan to update the entire complex, which was in bad shape when we acquired it,” Hatherall said. “We’re updating the sprinkler system, reseeding all the fields, installing a few pavilions and putting up fencing in needed areas. It is going to take us some time to get it to where we want it; right now our priority is getting the fields back playable for the spring season.” 

The GVTC Sportsplex is scheduled to be ready for use in January 2013 with an official opening date set for January 19.  World Wide Soccer has plans to build permanent restrooms and concession stands, as more people use the facility in the coming years.