POWERGRAMS

22 COMMUNITY APC efforts help build soccer field, walking trail at Selma Y By Bria Bailey and Price Everett Several organizations, including Alabama Power, worked in Selma to build a new soccer field and walking trail at the YMCA of Selma-Dallas County. Previously, YMCA members played soccer off-site, which made scheduling difficult and required transporting players. The new field is right outside the Y back door and surrounded by the walking trail. "The YMCA soccer fields have provided the community with a wonderful resource and positions us beer to serve our community," said YMCA CEO Leonard Speed. "It's been received very positively." A grant from the United Way of Selma & Dallas County helped fund the field, while Alabama Power helped sponsor the walking trail. The expansions took several years of planning and fundraising to become a reality. "Hundreds, if not thousands, of children have grown up in Selma playing soccer at the YMCA," said Ann Murray, former CEO who oversaw much of the planning for the project. "However, 30 years ago, my boys were always playing at outlying locations, never close to the Y. So, having this new field onsite at the YMCA is a dream come true. Finally, children in Selma can play for the Y at the Y." The walking trail starts at the playground and runs behind the building near the new field. Six laps of the trail equal 1 mile. "The trail was a great project to support," said Alabama Power's Government & Community Relations Manager Aubrey Carter. "The YMCA is an integral part of the community. It is prey much the anchor for recreation, health and fitness in Selma. Adding the walking trail and soccer field really put the YMCA in good shape to meet the needs of the community." While the YMCA offers plenty of activities for kids to do inside, including swimming, basketball and exercise, the new field and trail allowed the Y to expand its outdoor programs. "There was a huge community need for young people to be able to have a soccer field," said Chief Volunteer Officer Juanda Maxwell. "There's a need in the community because we have so many young people without a lot to do. We have a lot of challenges in our community, and many of these young people might never get the exposure to these sports, like soccer, without this field and the YMCA. Statistics show that where there's art, sports and activities, that will expand children's minds." Speed said the new outdoor space has provided a safe place to play and helped bring together children from different backgrounds. It also improves health. "Having this access provides opportunity for children to play and combat a sedentary lifestyle," Speed said. "Beyond soccer, we've had other events utilizing the fields, including our first community Easter egg hunt this past spring." The YMCA staff applauded the efforts of Alabama Power, the United Way and other sponsors for bringing the project to life. Pepsi Selma and the Alabama Beverage Association helped finish the work, while the Selma Rotary Club pitched in with bleachers. "The more partners you can bring in, the beer and the quicker your goals of serving the community can be achieved," Maxwell said. "Without Alabama Power Company, we would not have been able to have the soccer field and do what we've been able to do. It is a challenge when you're from a small community with few resources. We thank Alabama Power for their support." For more information, visit ymcaofselma.org.

• Cover