Plattsburgh, NY – November 1, 2022 – The Plattsburgh YMCA is teaming up with Adirondack Coast Sports to provide a temporary venue for indoor field sports this winter. The gymnasium of the former CVPH Wellness Center – and future home of the YMCA – will be transformed into a temporary, turfed indoor field for youth and adult sports programming for the 2022-2023 winter season.

“We were approached by several sports groups in the community, along with Mayor Rosenquest and Assemblyman Jones,” said Justin Ihne, CEO of the Plattsburgh YMCA. “Our community was looking for a bridge location for kids to play soccer this winter, and we have this fully-functional gym standing empty…It just made sense to work together.”

When Steve Peters, founder of Adirondack Coast Sports, presented his proposal to the YMCA, it outlined a viable plan to keep winter soccer in Plattsburgh for more than 1700 children and adults who would otherwise not have a place to play.

“The YMCA has a strong and lasting legacy in our region and their willingness to be creative with us is a testament to that,” said Steve Peters. “Access to these programs throughout the winter is crucial to keep our families’ mental and physical health intact and I am grateful for the YMCA’s involvement.”

“It’s great news that Plattsburgh YMCA and Adirondack Coast Sports are partnering this year to make sure that kids have a place to play indoor soccer,” said Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake). “So many local residents contacted my office because they were concerned about where kids would be able to play this winter and I am glad to see these organizations step up to fill the void. Access to recreational opportunities is an important part of creating strong communities and that is why I have secured millions of dollars for projects across the North Country, including $1.3 million for the Plattsburgh YMCA.”

Mayor Chris Rosenquest said of the announcement, "We're very happy this worked out for our community athletes. Many of us concerned cast a wide net to other leaders and organizations. The Y, as expected, answered that call. Justin and [the YMCA’s] leadership truly understand the need to fill this regional gap."

Ihne stated, “Our renovations for the New Y aren’t slated to begin until the spring. While the YMCA’s normal winter sports indoor basketball program will be in full swing at the Y On the Oval, our community still needed to create a bridge program for the other indoor sports programs this winter and the YMCA’s mission is about strengthening our community; Partnering with Adirondack Coast Sports made the most sense.”

Peters’ organization is supplying new turf and equipment to transform the oversized gym into two U8/U10 fields or one larger field for U12 through Adult, depending on program needs.
Registration for the 2022-2023 winter soccer season begins on November 14th and parents can visit www.adirondackcoastsports.com to find more information. Scholarships are available for those with financial barriers through the Adirondack Coast Sports organization and more information can be found at www.adirondackcoastsports.com/scholarships.