Sports Complex Holds Charity Event
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Advanced Sportsplex is a 38,000 square foot facility located in Middletown, CT bordering the Cromwell town line.
On February 21, the complex will be holding a special fundraising event. The Middletown Police Department will go head to head with the Middletown Fire Department in a game of Bubble Soccer. The game is also refered to as Knocker Soccer or Knockerball. The game is a contact version of soccer, however, players are protected by the inflatable, round sphere known as a Knockerball.
Anthony Knapp is one of the officers competing in the game.
“Middletown Fire challenged us to the game. The teams consist of 10 members each and everyone has to donate at least twenty dollars to support the cause,” said Knapp. “It’s all in good fun.”
The game is being used to raise money for Total Man Inc. Total Man Inc. is an organization that is aimed to keep teenagers and young adults away from gangs, drugs and poverty by ensuring they have the necessary tools in life.
The fundraiser takes place on February 21, with the game starting at 9 P.M. Tickets for adults are $10 and tickets for kids 13 and under are just $5.
Advanced Sportsplex is also where a number of high school and local sports teams practice, especially in during the winter months.
“I would say 100+ teams have practiced here since we opened in 2012,” said manager Glenn Rowland. “Some of the teams that practice here include Wesleyan University, CCSU Softball, University of Hartford Softball and Xavier and Mercy High Schools from here in Middletown.”
Another program that practices at Advanced Sportsplex is the Connecticut Outlaws youth league. The Outlaw teams range from 10 to 18 years of age. Connor Willet plays on the 10–11 year old team. His mother, Jackie Willet, loves coming to the sportsplex.
“It’s a great place to practice. Plus, it keeps my son active in the winter time,” says Willet.
The sportsplex has a 10,000 square foot area that is useful for multiple sports. The turfed area is used for speed and training as well as a practice area for teams such as the Connecticut Outlaws. Advanced Sportsplex caters to baseball, softball, field hockey, lacrosse and soccer. They have year-round recreational instruction as well as specialized clinics in these sports.
For more information you can visit Advanced Sportsplex at 1280 Newfield Road in Middletown or visit them on the web at www.advancedsportsplex.com