Helliwell Upgrade
We are thrilled to announce the kick-off: Helliwell Fundraising Campaign: "Light Up The Pitch".
In partnership with the Town of Saugeen Shores, Phase 1 of the Helliwell Park Master Plan will transform the existing space and soccer fields located in Southampton at Helliwell Park into two full-size soccer fields, complete with long needed field lighting and washrooms. This exciting development will significantly enhance our facilities, extend available playing hours into the evenings and create more opportunities for our community to stay active & engaged. Phase 1 Construction is expected to begin in early September 2025, with the fields ready for play in late July 2026.
To ensure SSUFC is ready to contribute meaningfully, The Club established the Strategic Planning/Capital Projects Fund giving us a voice in decisions for the future of minor soccer. Early on we identified lighting as a key priority for Phase 1, and we are proud to report that the Town Council is supportive of this initiative and approved the plan to advance field lighting installation in Phase 1.
Main Project Benefits:
-Lakeshore soccer league/rep games per night (4 main games) & (8 U12 games) *more equal home/away games
-Improved field quality to benefit players safety, remaining active in sport and player development
-Creation of adult evening soccer in-house league
-Host tournaments (sports tourism to our local community)
-Referee retention (2 games per night)
-Provide more soccer opportunities/extend the season into the fall/tryouts
Fundraising Campaign: GOAL: $500k
SSUFC has created a Fundraising package with opportunities for key partnerships with local businesses, service clubs, civic groups and private citizens to help us reach our $350,000 lighting goal and ultimately our $500,00 overall fundraising campaign target.
SSUFC is directly contributing ~$100,000 towards the lighting project and assuming a $250,000 loan over five years with the Town of Saugeen Shore to help make this a reality. Funds raised over the estimated field lighting cost of ~$350,000 will go directly towards field improvements including Soccer Nets, Equipment, Player Benches, etc.. We are confident that we have the right fundraising plan and team in place with future additional funding from our Strategic Planning/Capital Projects Fund. Additional fundraising initiatives will coincide with the 2026 World Cup, allowing us to celebrate the global game while supporting our local one.
If you'd like to learn more or get involved, we'd be happy to connect and make ourselves available to present to local businesses and groups.
Ready to contribute now? Please complete our Donor Contact info Sheet:
Lastly, we're calling on you - our past and present membership in our community, to give us that extra assist: help spread the word and be part of lighting the way for soccer in Saugeen Shores.
