October 14, 2022
OXFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — Young Starz Futsal Club, a non-profit organization based in Webster dedicated to engaging kids from preschool to high school in team soccer and futsal, is pleased to announce that it recently completed the full renovation of unused tennis courts in Webster into a modern futsal complex to benefit the area’s youth.
The renovated courts, known as the bankHometown Futsal Complex and located on Ray St., Webster, will give more than 100 children ages two to 18 the opportunity to learn the sport of futsal while sharpening their soccer skills and participating in club-neutral, competitive play. Futsal is a fast-paced game similar to soccer, but played on a smaller, hard court with just five players per side. Futsal helps players develop their soccer skills through providing a higher intensity game with more touches on the ball, requiring quicker decision-making, sharper techniques for ball control, and improved attacking and defensive abilities, among other skills.
Young Starz Founder & Technical Director Kwadwo “Coach K” Frempong says that the project was more than a year in the making and started with a generous 20-year lease of the location for just $1 a year from the Town of Webster if the organization could raise the $70,000 in funds needed to convert the courts. The project comprised a nearly complete renovation, including demolishing the existing tennis courts, preparing the site, paving, sealcoating, and line striping, repairing fencing, and installing landscaping and spectator bleachers.
Not only was Young Starz able to raise sufficient funds to cover the renovation, the organization also has set aside $2,500 to provide scholarships to players whose families are lower income and unable to afford the cost of participating. When not in use for Futsal practice, games, or tournaments, the courts will be open for public use.
Coach K credits the commitment and generosity of corporate donations for helping to fulfill the organization’s vision. “We’re grateful to our sponsors for making this complex a reality and can’t wait to help kids develop their technical skills and agility, but most of all, to instill a love of team play with positive, structured coaching and in a safe and modern environment,” he said.
As part of the project’s fundraising effort, Oxford-based bankHometown, which has two locations in Webster, donated $15,000 and became the project’s lead corporate sponsor—and one of its biggest cheerleaders—securing the naming rights to the complex. In addition to the donation, bankHometown President and CEO Robert J. Morton and local accountant and member of the bank’s board of directors Sam S. Pappas, CPA, worked closely with Frempong to help frame the project’s size and scope, raise funds from area companies, and provide advice and guidance on the project.
Morton, who previously has lent his time and talents to other area youth sports-related improvement projects, said that the futsal complex is a shining example of what happens when members of the community, including representatives from youth sports organizations, municipal leaders, and local businesses, come together to redevelop a location that would otherwise go unused.
“Youth sports is one of the best ways that our young people can develop a love for skill building, team play, and physical fitness, and help unlock their potential as a well-rounded individual. So, bankHometown was excited to help turn Young Starz’s and Coach K’s vision into a reality while providing the necessary funds to get the project started,” said Morton. “We’re thrilled to see this project come to fruition and know that the area’s kids are getting a safe and fun environment at the ‘bankHometown Futsal Complex’ to hone their skills.”
In addition to bankHometown, Lake Pizza, Thomas J. DeNardis Memorial, Young Starz, Webster Five, Sam S. Pappas, CPA, Oxford Insurance, Price Chopper, Premier Sealcoating & Line Striping, and JV Mechanical, Inc., were leading corporate sponsors of the project, contributing more than 75% of the project’s overall cost.
In the Photo
(Back row, L-R) bankHometown’s Webster Branch Officer Tarese Lopriore, President and CEO Robert J. Morton, and board member Sam S. Pappas, CPA
(Front row, L-R) Young Starz Futsal Club Program Director Kwabena Apeagyei and Founder & Technical Director Kwadwo “Coach K” Frempong
Young Starz players Kylie Crocker, Aamir Apeagyei, Connor Shelburne, Kayla Magill, and Skylar Frempong
About Young Starz
Young Starz, based in Webster, Massachusetts, is a club-neutral program designed to expose children ages two to 18 to soccer and futsal. Young Starz features affordable costs and an elite learning environment for players. Our mission is to create positive sports environments fostering social integration, healthy living, and greater self-confidence for all children and young adults. For more information, visit young-starz.com.
