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Yankton Youth Soccer Signs Contract For $2.5M First Dakota Soccer Park

Yankton, S.D. - Yankton Youth Soccer Association President Cole Mohnen on Friday signed a construction contract with Mammoth Sports Construction to build the new First Dakota Soccer Park.

The project contract signing is the realization of a 10 year vision by YYSA leaders to build a permanent home for the soccer program for youth ages 5-19 that aligns with its depth, talent, and professionalism.

“The program is having a lot of success and doing a good job training and molding youth to be great human beings, to love soccer, and catapult the growth of our program to the next level with Mammoth,” said Complex Fundraising Committee member Sondra Jensen.

The completed park will include seven natural surface fields, a comfort station, a new parking lot, and convenient entrance and exit. The project will be completed in early fall.

“At Mammoth, we believe to our core that athletics are one of the most important classrooms for kids growing up,” said Mammoth President Jake Farrant. “We are so proud and honored to do this work for the youth athletes, their families, and the entire community.”

Before this new soccer park investment, Yankton Youth Soccer added about $1.7 million in economic activity to the community per year. Total economic impact since the program’s founding 35 years ago amounts to an estimated $25 million.

The project has met $1.6 million of its $2.5 million fundraising goal. Name sponsor First Dakota National Bank contributed $1 million, while Larry and Diane Ness contributed $250,000 for the Ness Championship Field.

“We are excited to partner with Mammoth because we see the quality of products, and the top notch facilities they build. We’re so excited to get one of their facilities in Yankton,” said Complex Fundraising Committee member Wes Chambers.

Fundraising to reach the $2.5 million goal is ongoing. Potential donors should contact Wes or Sondra who are leading the Complex Fundraising Committee.

"The First Dakota Soccer Park is another example of the community coming together with private interests to make Yankton a better community for kids and families,” said Yankton Mayor Stephanie Moser. “The momentum from this project has been contagious and we are excited to see the space transform."

Mammoth Sports Construction has built fields and facilities for teams in the NFL, Big 10, SEC, Big 12, MIAA, NSIC, NAIA, GLVC, KCAC, Heart of America, and Gulf South conferences, along with thousands of high schools. It also offers golf course construction, concrete products and supply, general construction, architecture and engineering design, and creative services. It is based in Meriden, Kansas, and has offices in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Lenexa, Kansas. Learn more at mammothbuilt.com.

YYSA is a non-profit organization with the mission to build a love for and strong understanding of the game of soccer in area youth, parents and coaches. From young children to high school athletes, YYSA strives to strengthen each child’s respect, work ethic, self-confidence and physical fitness level while instilling good sportsmanship and the importance of teamwork.

Yankton Youth Soccer Complex Announcement

“This is exciting news not just for soccer but also for the entire community,” said Mayor Stephanie Moser. “This is a big step toward making the dream of a soccer park in Yankton a reality. It is great to see the momentum in Yankton continue.”

The Yankton Youth Soccer Association announced First Dakota pledged a $1 million gift to be used for the construction of the new park for the citizens of Yankton and the community.

“Yankton is a fantastic place to call home, and we’ve always been happy to do our part to make it even better. First Dakota believes in supporting the people and organizations who share our vision for strong, thriving communities throughout South Dakota. We look forward to seeing the fields at First Dakota Soccer Park teeming with families to provide enjoyment for many years to come,” Executive Vice President and Yankton Market Manager Aaron Ness said.

In addition, a gift from Larry and Diane Ness of $250,000 for the Ness Championship Field was announced.

“On behalf of the Yankton Youth Soccer Association, I would like to thank First Dakota and the Ness family for their investment in our future. We have been chasing this dream for 10 years and it is about to become a reality for our kids and community because of their generosity,” YYSA Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Wes Chambers said.

The total fundraising campaign for the project is $2.5 million and will include the Ness Championship Field, six additional fields, and a comfort station that will include restrooms, concessions, and an athletic training room.

“For 37 years over 14,000 kids have played soccer in Yankton. Now their passion will have a new face with First Dakota Soccer Park! Join us in celebrating the launch of our $2.5 million campaign to invest in the future of Yankton and our youth,” YYSA Fundraising Committee Co-Chair Sondra Jensen said.

For additional information on the First Dakota Soccer Park, please contact:
Yankton Youth Soccer Association
Complex Fundraising Co-Chairs
Wes Chambers (605) 661-3438  [email protected]
Sondra Jensen (605) 660-1845 [email protected]

LEARN MORE about the First Dakota Soccer Park Leadership Giving & Sponsorship Opportunities!

CLICK HERE, TO MAKE A DONATION to YYSA's First Dakota Soccer Park! 

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