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Fields of Green - Frequently Asked Questions



Q1. What is the goal of the Fields of Green Project?


A. Mansfield Youth Soccer has embarked on a fund raising project for field renovation at the Plymouth Street facility. The field area that is commonly known as field 1 or “front fields” has a severe water damage and drainage issue. As a result of very poor drainage (improper drainage and soil composition) the fields are often unplayable or, as occurred in Fall 2006 taken off line for extended periods of time. In fall 2006 and spring 2007, MYS was forced to cancel over 100 practices and over 90 games because the fields were not fit to play on. This renovation project consists of raising funds as well as driving the effort to implement the field renovation solution.


Q2. What will happen if nothing is done to renovate the fields?


A. Based on the wear and overuse of the fields today, if nothing is done then in a few years MYS will not be able to support the in town program as it does today. The reason MYS is working towards renovating the front fields is because soccer is the primary user of those fields. MYS obtained an extension on the use permit for those fields so MYS could apply for federal and national soccer grants. The money MYS puts those fields benefits our program directly.


Q3. Why isn’t the Town paying for the renovations?


A. The construction of the soccer field is a major undertaking and it represents a significant financial investment. Given that the Town’s financial resources are limited, the MYS Board of Directors voted to contribute funds and raise outside funds to support the addition of a synthetic surface.


Q4. What is the plan to raise such a large amount of money?


A. Mansfield Youth Soccer has formed sub committees who are exploring ways to raise funds for the fields. These committees are exploring grants, miscellaneous charitable gifts, donations, corporate sponsorships as well as a bank loan. Grants and sponsorships efforts are already underway.


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Q5. Why doesn’t MYS raise its participation fees to cover the cost of the new field?


A. Mansfield is a diverse community and we want our youth sports program to be accessible to all children. Our registration fee is low compared to most similar programs, and that’s important to us.



Q6. Will the soccer program have exclusive use of the new field?


A. No. The field will be scheduled in accordance with the Park and Recreation Commission’s field policies.



Q7. How will the Soccer program’s teams benefit from the new field?


A. MYS will have access to the new field for Saturday and Sunday games during the fall and spring seasons, and on weekdays for practices. MYS will have full access to the fields in order to run its program. After those needs are met the fields will be open to other town sports and activities. This in turn will free up playing time at other Town fields for use by other youth sports organizations.


Q8. For those players moving to H.S. in the next 2 years, how will they benefit from a few fields?


A. Our program also supports HS teams in the spring through U16. Right now those teams add wear and tear to the field 33 so our U11 U12 U13 U14 age groups are playing of torn up fields. The new fields would be open to those HS MYS age kids especially since they play on Sundays.


Q9. Has the "Back 40" multipurpose field project been abandoned in order to raise funds for these soccer fields up front?


A. The "Back 40" multipurpose project is a town sponsored project. That project is separate from the MYS Fields of Green project. The main difference is the Fields of Green will solely fund by private and corporate sponsorships.

Q10. The MYS website field layout page shows soccer turf fields, and specifically says Synthetic Turf Soccer Fields - but some of the literature says multipurpose fields.... could you please clarify?


A. Synthetic fields are turf fields which indicate the substance that the fields will be build of. Synthetic fields are the goal for MYS. Multipurpose fields indicate what the fields will be used for. So in the case of multipurpose fields for the "Back 40" that means those fields once completed will be used for all sports. It does not indicate what the surface will be. It could be natural (grass) or synthetic. It is believed the surface for the "Back 40" is planned to be natural turf.


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Q11. Why do we want to put synthetic turf on the new soccer field?


A. Because of the shortage of field space in Mansfield, each of our playing fields is heavily used by youth, school, and adult sports programs virtually every day. Even in the best of conditions, grass fields require a great deal of costly, routine maintenance. At the Plymouth Street complex the fields are overused since the front fields are often too wet to play on due to poor drainage. With overuse, fields deteriorate rapidly and require major repair work every few years. Mud and puddles can keep these fields closed for days after a storm. Artificial surface fields, on the other hand, are built to withstand heavy use, and with proper care, will last for many years with minimal maintenance costs. Artificial surface fields are also well-suited to our wet climate, as they dry quickly after even heavy rains.


Q12. Synthetic turf fields over natural turf?


A. The technology of synthetic turf has improved significantly in the decades and the current generation of turf surfaces is widely considered to be much safer and provide a much more natural feel. FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, has studied synthetic turfs extensively and has only recently authorized their use in international competitions. A significant number of colleges and even high schools have installed synthetic turf fields, and the number continues to grow each year. A lush, well-manicured grass field still offers the best quality for a playing surface. But to maintain a field in that condition requires strict limits on the field’s use, as well as a high level of maintenance. Most overused playing fields are characterized by large patches of thin or missing grass, uneven surfaces, ruts and holes, and puddles of standing water. After heavy rains, even the best-drained fields are often muddy. More studies and comparisons will be done before the final decision of synthetic vs. natural turf will be made.



Q13. How is MYS going to control the design & construction once gifted the $ to the town?


A. Our plan is to work closely with the town on all necessary approval every step of the way. Built into the financial plan are funds for contracting an independent consultant to help with design and construction.



Q14. How is MYS going to fund ongoing maintenance of the renovated fields?


A. MYS plans to build long term relationships with their sponsors so the flow of funds will not stop at the construction phase but will last throughout the life of the MYS program. Our board has an official Fund Raising position whose primary responsibility will be to keep the fund flowing in support of this project.


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Q15. How is MYS going to protect their interest and investment once it's built and into the future?


A. MYS, the Town and the Recreation Board, which controls the use of the fields, have worked together very well over the past years. It was the work of all three groups that lead to the original fields being built. In addition the town helped extend our use agreement at the 2006 town meeting which assures our ability to use the fields and lets us raise funds from outside groups. We will continue to work closely with the town and especially the Recreation board and DPW to continue this partnership.


Q16. What is MYS tax identification number so we can claim the contribution on their tax return?


A. Our tax exempt id number is 043-466-647. Your cancelled check is your receipt for your donation.


Q17. What is company matching and how does it work?


A. Many companies offer to match donations of employees that are made to charitable organizations. In many cases this donation is a full match meaning it doubles your contribution. You should contact your HR department to find out how to utilize this program.


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