The economy may be retreating like the tide before a tsunami, but one organization is expanding in Oneida with a bold and exciting plan.  Odyssey Sport Soccer Club, created by Chris & Claire McLain two local college coaches,  has recently acquired a building on the grounds of Sherrill Manufacturing and is endeavoring to renovate the space into a fully functional, dedicated indoor soccer training facility.  Chris McLain (Women’s Assistant Coach at Colgate University), with the help of numerous dedicated and energetic parents, sponsors and club board members, has created a vision for the club which will propel Odyssey Sport to the forefront of regional clubs.  The new training facility, which is being offered up to local businesses for naming rights, houses a 25 yard wide by 40 yard playing surface, indoor goals, a changing area for players, office space for the coaching staff and, in the future, a lounge area on the second floor overlooking the field for parents and families.

 

        The turf-covered floor was placed down in December, and a large number of volunteers have transformed the peripheral areas from manufacturing site to spacious, bright and welcoming areas.  A wall with netting has been started to separate the entrance and lobby/changing areas from the playing surface, and work has also begun on a new stairwell to the upstairs lounge area.  Boards were erected the length and width of the field to cover the ribs of the building, and plans currently call for insulation to be installed throughout the walls and roof.  Currently, ample heat is blown onto the playing area by a gas heater and the teams have been training comfortably in shorts and tee-shirts.

 

        Among the legions of volunteers who have so generously contributed is the Colgate University women’s soccer program.  Kathy Brawn, the team’s head coach, was thrilled when McLain described to her the plans to renovate the facility, and immediately began planning to contribute.  This past Saturday, Kathy Brawn and her team descended upon the Odyssey headquarters, and spent three hours painting, cleaning, moving debris and organizing the space.  Some 50 gallons of paint found their way onto the boards surrounding the playing area (more than a few drops found their way onto volunteers as well!) brightening up the space, and adding clean lines to the field’s surroundings.  Old storage areas were demolished, and the debris removed.   Materials were recycled and used in building the wall separating the lobby and field.

       

        Coach Brawn described the experience: “We are always looking for ways to reach out to the local community. Chris and Claire McLain, along with dozens of dedicated volunteers, have done a great deal to create a dynamic, positive learning environment for these girls and boys. The Colgate student-athletes enjoyed working side by side with the Odyssey players and their families. We have certainly appreciated their support of our team at many of our games and welcomed the opportunity to assist in making the Odyssey Training Center a fantastic facility. Odyssey Soccer is living proof that with a clear vision, a strong work ethic and the support of an engaged community, great things can happen. We admire the work being done, and are glad we could help out. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday.”

 

        The Colgate team was joined by various members of the Odyssey Sport teams, from U-18 boys to U-12 girls.  Each player was matched up with a Colgate player or two, and the two groups worked side by side all morning Saturday to make the facility look its best.  Coach McLain was impressed, “The younger kids worked so hard, and will be able to take great pride in being members of Odyssey.  This really is their facility.  Their parents have helped by working and donating materials, and now, even the kids have chipped in to help, and their own efforts are evident all around them when they come to train.” 

 

        Many community businesses have donated assistance including Sherrill Manufacturing (Buy American!), Kime’s Hardware, Hamilton Orthopedics, Smiths Decorating and Flooring, Roman Agency, Benjamin Moore and we continue to seek more sponsors to offset the cost of renovations and provide scholarships to qualified families.  “We can’t thank these folks enough,” says Claire McLain (Women’s Head Coach Utica College), “we work very hard to keep club costs low for our families.  Our mission is to provide the highest level of coaching available to a club, but at a cost which is more reasonable then some other clubs. Most of our coaches are college coaches, and all have tremendous experience both playing and coaching.  Without the support of local businesses, our fees wouldn’t cover a facility like this, and without coaches who are happy to work inexpensively, we’d be renting less effective spaces.”

 

        The club sought to secure its own facility after several years of using multiple, rented spaces, available only when others were not using them, and frequently unsuited for soccer play.  The turf facility provides a safe, spacious and flexible training area, and the only group using it is the Odyssey teams, although they are willing to rent to others. Odyssey Sport supports a training-intensive experience, focused on player development, rather than a play-only strategy so prevalent in club soccer.  With the coaching staff assembled by the board, the new training facility and the support of the greater Oneida community, soccer players of all ages will be benefiting for years to come from Odyssey’s investment in itself and its community.  Odyssey Sport Soccer Club is planning an open house Sunday, March 8^th, from 12PM to 2PM.  Teams will be training, Odyssey coaches, board members and families will be on hand to showcase the facility and answer questions.