By Jessica PointonJust in time for the spring thaw, The Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club is proud to announce that they are in the final stages of the construction of their new Sports Clubhouse.It has been a twelve year process for The TASC and for the City of Toronto as they have been persevering alongside each other in order to make this 5,000 sq. ft. dream become a reality.The new athletic facility, located on the South-East corner of Keele st., and Steeles ave., is sponsored by the the Labourers' International Union of Norrth America (LIUNA) and will be named the LIUNA Club House.“The Clubhouse will be a Centre of activity for youth, not limited to Soccer,” said Robert Iarusci, the Chairman and Public Relations Assistant for TASC.Iarusci said that high performance Soccer was the core inspiration for the Club and for the creation of this Clubhouse, but the Centre will also provide a variety of programming in partnership with LIUNA and other community-based associations.With a main activity room composed of 2,000 sq.ft, and detailed with a large presentation screen and surround sound, the space offers multiple prospects, especially in terms of hosting numerous public events.The Clubhouse will also be able to increase its capacity to facilitate other activities in the future.Iarusci said The TASC’s ultimate goal is to see buoyant and compassionate character development amongst today’s youth, whether it’s through soccer or other skill-building activities.At-risk youth, in specific, need to be involved in programming that reveals their talents and helps them to develop new and positive abilities that are life-sustaining.LIUNA will be offering trades training, which will be an immense asset and inspiration for many young people who want to get involved with the trades.Sgt. Steve Hicks from 31 Division will be operating the For Kicks Program at the Clubhouse where he will facilitate different sports and activities like flag-football and wrestling. Hicks will also teach anti-bullying and provide nutrition lessons.The Beaches Art Centre will be conducting dance and other arts-based courses. Tim Horton’s Timbits soccer, The North York Hearts Soccer Club, and Canadian Tire’s Jump Start Program will also be operating sports programs at the facility.Each and every child and youth deserves to know that they have something to offer themselves and their community. Sports, because they encourage active living and avid sportsmanship, are a great way to build physical endurance and build self-esteem.When youth begin to realize their own potential as front-runners, they can reach out to other youth who have not had the same opportunities and be able to connect them to those opportunities.The result is the transformation of the vision, and for the population surrounding the clubhouses to be transformed themselves. Downsview will greatly benefit from this Centre of physical activity and personal growth.Those who are interested in registering their children or youth are encouraged to check the Toronto Azzurri website http://torontoazzurri.com/. These are exciting opportunities that can enable nourishing experiences.