As an alumni of MVRHS and having played four years of soccer on the current grass fields at the high school, I am ecstatic to hear about the efforts to create a turf playing surface. This opportunity cannot be passed up, as it would only be beneficial to the development and progress of all sports teams involved. The Vineyard has been behind in creating a playing field that can withstand constant use to cultivate the best players possible.

I continued to play soccer, after high school, at Elmira College and played on both grass and turf fields. The only grass fields that could withstand a season’s abuse were strictly used for games only and were rested frequently. Playing on turf allows for longer seasons, which in turn promotes player development and improved skills. MV@Play’s turf surface with alternative organic infill will provide a place for student athletes to develop to their highest potential and achieve future athletic success.

I am now a current academy soccer coach for the New England Revolution and can attest to the importance of a high quality playing surface. A turf field for high school level athletics would allow players to get the most out of practice and games. With a predictable and flat surface, players are able to gain more confidence in the technical areas of their respected sport and concentrate on more tactical approaches to the game. Training on an overused grass field takes away from the tactical development of players because they are forced to focus all of their efforts on controlling a ball on an uneven and unpredictable surface. My hope is that this turf field is built and that all the sports involved will reap the benefits of a durable, consistent surface. As I further my career in coaching, it is evident that providing developing players with exceptional playing surfaces for practice is one of the many keys to success.

Alex Poole
Brighton and Chilmark