Illinois Springfield Receives Six-Figure Pledge from SASA

SPRINGFIELD, IL --- The University of Illinois Springfield Department of Athletics took a large step in their stadium turf project last week, as the Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA), pledged a six-figure gift to the University.

The gift totals $150,000 and will be entirely contributed to the turf project. This is the largest gift to date for the project. Laura Calderon, the acting President of SASA, spoke on the donation, "SASA has always had a fantastic relationship with UIS, and we are really looking forward to forging an even greater partnership on their turf project. At SASA, we pride ourselves in being the premier youth soccer club in central Illinois. The enhanced collaboration with UIS and their soccer programs will help us provide the best opportunities for our players, setting them up for success and continuing our tradition of excellence."

SASA teams will be allowed on the field no less than 15 hours a week. We will schedule teams accordingly.

SASA --- an organization that focuses on providing a total, well-rounded and positive soccer experience --- has been a staple to Springfield soccer since 1984. SASA is home to 34 teams and nearly 500 players, ranging from youth teams as young as four years old all the way to the high school level. "This generous act from SASA is a testament to not only what they do for Springfield youth soccer, but how they enhance the entire Springfield community," said Director of Athletics, Jim Sarra.
"SASA has always been a great partner for UIS Athletics and this gift is yet another example of that." "SASA's partnership with UIS on their turf field project will provide our players the opportunity to regularly practice on the best possible surface," added Calderon. "This will enhance our ability to be competitive in leagues and tournaments that play most of their games on a similar surface."

ABOUT SASA The Springfield Area Soccer Association (SASA) has fostered the development of a number of outstanding athletes many of whom have gone on to play in college and beyond. Our complex on the west side of the University of Illinois Springfield hosts many local area high school games. SASA strives to encourage and assist in the development, growth and improvement of soccer at all levels within the community. It is our firm belief that the only way SASA can survive and grow is through the active participation of you, the people involved in soccer.