Courtesy: Keizer Times


Keizer Soccer Club teams get their kicks in at Keizer Station facility

January 28, 2010

By Lance Masterson

Keizer Soccer Club (KSC) is playing in a new facility this winter

The club is holding practices and futsal games in the vacant Circuit City building at Keizer Station.

"The deal is done," said Jim Parent, the organization's director of coaching. "Leasing the building is at an extreme discount ... it's almost a donation."

A spokesperson for property owner Donahue Schriber said arrangements are consistent with the company's philosophy.

"Donahue Schriber believes in serving the communities it does business in," said Jack Steinhauer, director of Development & Acquisition Pacific Northwest. "When we were informed that the Keizer Soccer Club was looking for an indoor soccer facility that would be used by (local families) we were more than happy to assist in seeing that vision become a reality."

That lead came from Christine Dieker, executive director of the Keizer Chamber of Commerce.

The lease is month to month as Donahue Schriber is still looking to lure a retailer to the Keizer location.

"We really do not at this point, "said Stienhauer, when asked if he knew when a retailier might move in. "... We are pleased that space is being put to such a good community use.

At an estimated 20,000 square feet, the building provides ample room for futsal fields and training access for the club's competitive teams.

The high school winter soccer season began last week while the early spring season for middle school teams begin next month.

Parent said there are 100 kids participating in futsal and another 150 kids signed up for the competitive programs. He expects enrollment to reach 400 or so as interest in the programs grows. Parent added many of these players will come from outside KSC as interleague play is a possibility.

The futsal ball is a medium sized soccer ball - about the size commonly used by middle school players - that is 30 percent heavier and lacks bounce. The game is played on a hard surface, similar to a basketball court.

Each team has one goalie and four other players.

Futsal is recognized internationally as the official indoor version of football/soccer.

It is very popular, even among pros, in South America and Europe during winter months.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com