The Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex on Brookshire Road in Boone is $70,000 away from being paid off, and the High Country Soccer Association hopes to raise the remaining money by the end of year.

“We’re hoping that by year end we can complete this, and people are in a giving mood,” said Art Rex, a member of the capital campaign committee.

The complex is a joint project of HCSA, Appalachian State University and Watauga County. HCSA, a nonprofit, started a campaign in 2006 to raise the needed funds for the facility and took out a construction loan in 2007. The total project cost is $2 million, including mortgage interest until 2015.

The facility is close to making its final mortgage payment thanks to contributions from its founding partners, foundations and grants, and this fall, the HCSA is looking to the community to finish the campaign, Rex said.

“The little donations become more and more important,” Rex said. “People can really make a difference at this point.”

The complex is the home field of the High Country Soccer Association league as well as the Appalachian State University’s men and women soccer teams. Watauga County Parks and Recreation use the complex for a portion of its youth soccer games, and an adult soccer league, a Hispanic soccer league and an Ultimate Frisbee league also play there.

The HCSA’s Junior Academy, Junior Avalanche and the Avalanche Academy have over 150 players enrolled this fall, the association said. In addition, HCSA has 10 travel teams with more than 130 Classic and Challenge level players, which play against other associations from North Carolina.
 

“It’s an easy thing to sell when you’re helping young people and giving young people opportunities,” said Rex.

For more information, email (hcsoccer@hcavalanche.org)