Civic and community leaders from across Hamilton were on hand to mark the opening of the domed athletic field, the centerpiece of Redeemer University College’s new Sports Complex. The Kick Off ceremony reflected the true community partnership of the project. The Complex is a joint program between Redeemer and Ancaster Soccer Club, which will use the field for its soccer programs. All three levels of government contributed funding towards the construction of the Complex. The balance of the cost for the facility will be covered by operating revenues, corporate sponsorships and donations made through a community fundraising effort. Noted Hamilton businessman, philanthropist and sports fan Ron Foxcroft is the Honorary Chair of that project, called The Field for All Seasons Campaign. Redeemer’s President, Dr. Hubert Krygsman, thanked the many partners that were involved in this project. “The saying goes, ‘It takes a village.’ In this case, the village is made possible by the many government, community and corporate leaders who supported this facility from the very beginning. That includes President Emeritus of Redeemer, Dr. Justin Cooper, Jim Bethune, Past President of Ancaster Soccer, and former Mayor of Hamilton Fred Eisenberger, all of whom worked so hard to get this project started, more than 2 and a half years ago. We also want to thank Graceview Construction Ltd. and the staff at Redeemer, led by Alfred Mazereeuw, Director of Plant and Security, for heading up the construction of the complex.” The event featured words from several government and community leaders. David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale (ADFW) called the venture “an excellent example of cooperation, between both Redeemer and Ancaster Soccer, and among the 3 levels of government.” MPP Ted McMeekin, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, noted: “This was the first time that the provincial government made a grant to a privately-funded university. We are glad for the opportunity to do so, and we give thanks for this example of what we as a community are able to achieve together.” Bob Bratina, Mayor of Hamilton, thanked former mayor Fred Eisenberger for his work in getting this project off of the ground during his tenure. “This is a facility for the entire city,” said Mayor Bratina. “Redeemer is an integral part of the City of Hamilton, and Hamilton is a better city thanks to this investment by all three levels of government.” Ward 12 Councillor Lloyd Ferguson said that “Ancaster, and the growth of soccer in the area, are both growing exponentially. As such, this was an easy project to get behind. Redeemer is a jewel in the City of Hamilton, and I thank community leaders such as Ron Foxcroft for making this possible.” John Kimpton, Vice President of Ancaster Soccer, noted that this project will not only benefit the 2500+ players involved in Ancaster Soccer but the community as a whole. “Our mission is to develop not only strong athletes, but excellent young people. We are building a better place to live that will attract not just athletes, but community leaders.” Ron Foxcroft pointed out that “My life is sport. This experience has been breathtaking and exhilarating. I want to thank you for ‘voluntelling’ me to take on this challenge.” Mr. Foxcroft also announced that Fox 40 and Fluke Transport, two of the companies which he controls, will be making a substantial contribution to the project. The actual Kick–Off had the dignitaries, as well as members of the Redeemer Royals varsity soccer team, and young members of the Ancaster Soccer Club, give a ceremonial first boot to soccer balls into a net. The first game of the dome was played immediately after the ceremony, with a team from Ancaster Soccer hosting a team from Saltfleet on one of the mini-fields. Later that afternoon, the Redeemer Royals men’s varsity played the Men’s Under-17 Ancaster Soccer team in the inaugural game on the full field.