CAEDC secures funding for Mechanicsburg soccer complex project

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The Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) has secured $47,913 for Keystone FC, a Mechanicsburg-area soccer program.

The grant was gained through the Category 4 Local Share Account (LSA).

“We were thrilled to learn the news that Keystone FC will receive a $47,913 grant from the Category 4 Local Share Account to outfit soccer fields and assist with our vision to bring new recreational amenities to the Carlisle area,” Keystone FC Executive Director Sean Cochran said in a statement. “It’s another exciting step forward for us and we are deeply grateful for all the support received that will significantly enhance our players’ experience and ensure that our community has access to top-tier facilities.”

According to a release, Keystone FC is advancing a multi-phase plan to construct a soccer and recreational facility complex on land adjacent to Lisburn Road, near its intersection with Connector Road, in South Middleton Township. The complex will provide dedicated space necessary to accommodate the organization’s operations.

Phase I of the complex development plan includes transportation improvements along Lisburn Road and the installation of an artificial turf athletic field and associated parking. Once Phase I is completed, Keystone FC will be using the grant funds received from the Category 4 LSA to purchase athletic field outfitting equipment necessary for the organizations practice and competitive game play events.

The Category 4 Local Share Account is funded through the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, as amended, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within host counties, per the release.

“CAEDC strives to invest in projects that attract visitors to Cumberland County and encourage overnight stays,” said CAEDC Economic Development Director, Greg Welker. “Keystone FC’s facilities will allow them to grow their tournaments, such as the Mid-Atlantic Fall Championships, which have attracted teams from across Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and New York.

“Tournament participants and their supporters will bring outside revenue to restaurants, stores, entertainment venues, and other Cumberland County businesses,” added Welker.