The Dexter Youth Soccer Association made a presentation to the Dexter School Board in the hopes of bringing a soccer program to the district in the fall of 2025. The board room was filled with kids in uniform and parents.
Preston Clark opened the presentation stating how he benefited from the life lessons he learned by participating in football and other sports. He said he wanted the kids to benefit from the same lessons through soccer.
The main presentation was given by Alex Barney. He presented a detailed slide presentation showing possible sites for a soccer field. Barney laid out 9 possible locations for the soccer field.
Some of the locations included Charles Bland Stadium, the field behind the press box at the stadium, two locations near Central Elementary, the field at the corner of Arvin Road and Cooper Street, the current field used by the Dexter Youth Soccer Association at the corner of ZZ and County Road 612 (Grant Street) and multiple locations at the fairgrounds/sports complex. Barney acknowledged that the locations at the fairgrounds and sports complex are the least feasible.
Barney included what would be needed at each location to meet MSHAA competition requirements. Barney said the least expensive would be Charles Bland Stadium as it already meets the requirements.
Soccer markings would need to be added to the field which Barney said could be painted or cut in as the marking for the football games are. He had a quote from Byrne and Jones Construction of $30,000 to $35,000 to cut the lines in and $7,500 to paint the lines. Scott Barker, former field painter for the (then St. Louis) Rams would do the painting if this were to be accepted. Barney said he had sponsors that would cover the cost of adding markings to the stadium field.
Barney said Byrne and Jones are scheduled to do an estimate at the field on Grant and ZZ later this month.
Barney then addressed equipment. He said there are currently 16 soccer goals in the Dexter area. He said the Dexter Youth Soccer Association has 3, Dexter Parks and Recreation has 8 and the school district has 5. The goals at the school district are located on various play grounds for recreational/gym class use by the students.
Barney estimated the cost of uniforms and soccer balls to be $3,625 to $4,600. Barney also broke down the cost of traveling to away games, field maintenance for a grass field, referees and bus drivers. He acknowledged that a coach would be a hurdle to overcome.
Barney laid out a potential schedule for a Dexter soccer team. He listed 16 potential opponents ranging from 30 miles to 163 miles away. His list contained only Missouri schools, he said he had mot included possible opponents from other states. Barney also included a possible district assignment and opponents.
He gathered comments from area soccer coaches on the possibility of Dexter starting a soccer program. Some of those:
“I approve and agree with Dexter High School starting a soccer team. I believe it will be beneficial to the community.” Rusty Crafton – Head Soccer Coach, Poplar Bluff High School.
“As a former high school soccer player and current high school coach and soccer dad, the sport is very beneficial to the community in many ways. Soccer teaches teamwork,camaraderie,hard work, dedication, and accountability among other things and offering it as an option for Dexter students would give another great avenue for kids to compete with area schools,” Gabe Dement – Head Soccer Coach, Sikeston High School.
“The addition of Dexter in soccer would be great for not only the area but also for Dexter as well to provide more opportunities for athletes to complete at the high school level and develop a love for the game – Chris Crawford – Head Soccer Coach, Saxony Lutheran High School, Jackson Missouri.
“It is exciting news for the soccer players in our area. A great opportunity for the sport to grow in our area and a great opportunity for the students to be able to participate in high school sports. I think it’s awesome Dexter is maybe setting up a soccer program.” Matt Vollink Head Boys Soccer Coach, Notre Dame High School, Cape Girardeau.
Barney said he would like to follow up with the superintendent, assistant superintendent and athletic director in October. He said he would also like another follow up meeting in December for an internal analysis to provide support and solutions.
Barney closed by requesting a survey of the students and case analysis to add soccer to the high school of fall 2025.
He also requested a review of obstacles and challenges both financial and logistical that would hinder the addition of soccer. Also he asked how the Dexter Youth Soccer Association and external boosters could help the administration and school board.
School board president Nancy Mayer thanked Barney and all who attended in support of the request. The board did not comment on the request during the open session of the meeting. This is standard procedure to give the board time to review and consider the material.