St. Michael-Albertville Soccer Unveils New Indoor Facility

St. Michael-Albertville United has its indoor soccer space, more than five years after leaders Tom Dawson and Roger Derham started the push for its own venue. 

The association that leads both recreational and competitive (read: travel) soccer teams for ages 5 through 19 has taken up space in the old Albertville Public Works location off Main Avenue in that city, directly east of the current Albertville City Hall. 

"It was a combination of things happening that led us to this point," Derham, who serves as the coaching director for STMA United, said Saturday at an open house. "But it's been a long time coming. And we're very pleased."

The space is more than adequate. The old garage space–which only housed a small truck and the City of Albertville parade float used by the Royalty Program–is now padded and turfed. With nearly 3,000 sq. ft., it's perfect for 4 vs. 4 soccer, which major soccer academies from the U.K. to the U.S. are now recommending, Derham said. 

"You work on different skills in a smaller space; footwork, finishing, working in tighter areas. That's needed in this club," he said. 

The old office space of the public works building now serves as a much needed home for the club's leader, Dawson, as well as equipment, such as flags, bags and even uniforms. 

There is meeting space for club teams, a gathering area for after-season parties and restroom facilities. There's even free wi-fi, and cable for those hoping to catch some soccer on television. 

"Really, it's a home for everything we do," Dawson said. "It gets us away from trying to schedule gym time in the schools during the winter, which was getting tough to do with more and more activities needing space and more kids than ever participating in those sports." 

Practices for travel teams started this week, with good results. 

"People's initial reaction will be surprise with the size. It's not a dome," Derham said. 

Which leads back to that arrangement. Talks of a dome gained huge momentum in 2011 and 2012, when the association had arrangements with the leadership of the Minnesota Kings. A dome was procured, but when funding ran out, all that was left was a dome and concrete pad at Recreation Park.

"It was promising, but things happened on their side, and the agreement fell through. In the end, it's led us here, and we think the agreement we've reached with the city [of Albertville] to take this on is more favorable for our club at this time," Derham said. 

That doesn't take a dome completely off the table long term. 

"It could happen," Dawson said. "But the timing and the arrangement would have to be just right. For now, we're excited to see what we can do in this facility." 

For more on STMA United programs, including spring and summer sessions for 2014, visit their website. Or, check the group out on Facebook.com.