Kensington and Area Soccer Club gets new clubhouse

The Kensington and Area Soccer Club (KASC) will benefit from a new clubhouse and allow the community to host more soccer tournaments and training events with support from the provincial Rural Growth Initiative.

The Rural Growth Initiative supports the revitalization of rural communities through strategic investments in infrastructure that is important for rural culture, society, and economic development. The new, spacious clubhouse will be built at the soccer field in Kensington and will include washroom facilities, a canteen, storage for equipment, and meeting space. The club currently has over 300 active members, ranging from three to 18 years of age.

“Sport and recreation are important parts of physical and mental health and it is important that Islanders, especially our youth, in rural communities have access to these activities close to home. One of the goals of the Rural Growth Initiative is to help communities build this kind of important infrastructure, which is vital to the mental and physical well-being of their residents.” - Hon. Jamie Fox, Minister of Fisheries and Communities

The provincial government is investing $100,000 to support construction of the new clubhouse. KASC has worked closely with the Town of Kensington on the project and Cavendish Farms is also a major sponsor.

“We are very proud of our local soccer club,” said Mayor Rowan Caseley. “This project shows the tireless efforts being made by volunteers in our community to support youth and sport. The Town of Kensington is pleased to partner with KASC on such a worthwhile initiative.”

“We are proud to support Island communities where our employees live and work,” said Robert K. Irving, president of Cavendish Farms. “The soccer club serves a great need in the area and this new clubhouse will allow local youth to continue to develop soccer and life skills. The clubhouse will also be a place where community members can gather and will allow them to host tournaments bringing visitors to the area and local businesses.”

“As a volunteer community organization, we are so thankful for the support of the Town of Kensington, the Province of PEI, and our community partner; Cavendish Farms,” said DJ Welton, president of KASC. “This clubhouse will do much more for our members than just provide washrooms and storage; it will give them a central meeting place that will create a stronger sense of community within our club for years to come.”

Learn more about the Rural Growth Initiative of the Department of Fisheries and Communities at PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/ruralgrowth.

Media contact:    
Kip Ready
Department of Fisheries and Communities
902-314-3407
kjready@gov.pe.ca