SOCA, the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle, recently announced its plans to locate its permanent home and year-round, all-weather playing facilities in the Belvedere development, located off of Rio Road East, in Charlottesville.

The announcement was made at the offices of Stonehaus, a premier full-service, locally-owned real-estate development company and developer of the Belvedere project.  At the announcement an agreement was signed by Robert Hauser, of Stonehaus and SOCA’s President, Rick Natale outlining the intent of the two organizations to create a unique opportunity for the local soccer enthusiasts and perspective residents of the Belvedere community.

The project plans include club offices adjacent to an indoor field house with one junior-sized playing field; one full-size, outdoor, all-weather synthetic turf field lit by state-of-the-art, full cut-off athletic lighting; and five natural grass playing fields in an idyllic setting near the Rivanna River.

Present at the announcement and signing was Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Kenneth Boyd.  Boyd expressed his strong support for the project, saying “I am very confident that this project will be approved.”  Earlier, Boyd voiced the board’s interest by saying “We applaud both Stonehaus and SOCA in reaching an agreement towards the creation of a permanent home for this very important recreational program.”  Also supporting the project is Supervisor David Slutzky of the Rio District where Belvedere is located.  “I have been very interested in seeing the needs of SOCA addressed in our development area and based on what I have seen so far, I look forward to seeing this proposal move through the approval process as quickly as possible.”

By placing SOCA’s proposed facility in a designated growth area, the club has addressed concerns which prevented approval of an earlier proposal.  “We are absolutely delighted with the Belvedere/SOCA partnership” said SOCA Executive Director Bill Mueller.  “This is such a great fit for both organizations.  The vision for Belvedere is one of an active, vibrant, lively community and SOCA can certainly bring life and vitality to the neighborhood.  We will provide a steady heartbeat of healthy activity in a really uniquely designed community.  I should think there are lots of soccer families who will love the idea of being able to live where they can walk to premier playing facilities in safety and comfort.  It really is an exciting opportunity for everyone.”

The project is located on three distinct parcels within Belvedere, integrating the facilities within the neighborhood design.  The parcels will be donated by the developer to SOCA.  Presently, applications for special use permits have been submitted for two of the components, the all-weather field and the natural grass fields.  Approval has been granted for the field house and offices.  The approval process for the two submissions is expected to be completed in early 2008.  Meanwhile the club will be gearing up design plans for the field house and beginning a fundraising campaign for the project.

“While we envision the project as one holistic effort, it will be pursued in three distinct pieces and phases,” said Mueller.  “We will begin our fundraising efforts while we apply for the remaining approvals, and continue to refine the design plans for all components.”

The project is expected to total over $5 million in value and will take several years to complete with the first office/field house component expected to be online by late 2009/early 2010.

For more information on Belvedere visit www.belvedereneighborhood.com.  For more information on Stonehaus visit www.Stonehaus.net.