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Construction of youth sports center underway in Strafford

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Last edited 4:39 p.m., April 25, 2019

Early construction work on an empty lot in Strafford marks the start of a new sports center.

Micki McShane, who organized Strafford Sports Center LLC with her husband Troy, said crews recently began dirt work with plans to have the 33,200-square-foot facility completed by late summer. She said the 9007 E. Evergreen St. site is nearby the McDonald’s in Strafford. Officials involved with the venture declined to disclose the estimated project cost.

Jeremy Compton, a 25-year coach tapped as general manager for Strafford Sports Center, said the facility would serve as a venue for youth basketball teams to start, with potential for an expansion into volleyball and other sports in the future.

Compton said the need for Strafford Sports Center has surfaced as The Fieldhouse Sportscenter in Springfield is “overflowing with teams” and The Clubhouse, formerly The Courts, transitioned to a club volleyball training facility.

“Right now, there’s only one place in the area that can really hold leagues and tournaments, and that’s The Fieldhouse,” he said. “We think there’s enough business for us to open ours too.”

Compton, who for the last 14 years has coached a youth basketball team called the Missouri Chaos, said Strafford Sports Center would host basketball leagues with teams playing eight- to 12-game seasons.

“I feel like we need to provide an atmosphere that’s safe,” he added. “We’re going to make sure that appropriate behavior is a priority there, as well as officiating quality.”

Strafford Sports Center officials are in talks with companies about sponsorships, Compton said.

In addition to four courts, the center would have an area called SSC kidZone, with games and inflatables for children.

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