Mark Berman's Blog

One of Houston Mayor Bill White's long-standing goals is to develop amateur sports in Houston, specifically soccer. To that end he will join with Houston Dynamo President Oliver Luck Thursday to unveil the proposed youth soccer complex near Highway 288 and Airline Drive in Southeast Houston.

The city owns 100 acres at that location which has been targeted for the youth complex and the Dynamo's new training facility.

The city and the MLS franchise are in the midst of negotiations on a new downtown soccer specific stadium, and this new complex is related. However, should no stadium deal be consumated the soccer project will still go forward.

"The Mayor's highest priority is to create a world class amateur sports complex," said Andy Icken, the city's Deputy Director of Public Works, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

Icken said the city is looking for help from the private sector to join in the funding for the project.

The youth soccer complex will encompass 18 soccer fields which will be built in stages.

The city hopes to have eight fields in operation by the end of next year.

Icken said the city's research shows that for Houston to attract major soccer tournaments for youths, a soccer complex involving 18 fields is a prerequisit.

Thursday's unveiling will take place at Houston Community College's South Campus also known as Willie Lee Gay Hall.

As for the negotiations involving the downtown stadium, Icken said the city and the Dynamo are having successful discussions and both sides are targeting the end of the summer for a potential deal.