Community soccer field organizers announce fundraiser in De Queen

DE QUEEN, Ark.— Community residents are rallying support for an up-and-coming sports facility in Sevier County this summer with the “Fields of Dreams” fundraiser at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Led by local business owner Esteban Ochoa and De Queen High School assistant soccer coach Franklin Bahena, Samaritan Fields is a multi-feature athletic facility and community project in its early phases, according to a news release.

Located on Collin Raye Drive, the fields will host soccer games with plans to feature benches, spectator stands, a walking trail and concessions. The public is invited to celebrate Independence Day holiday with a fundraiser at the fields.

“Fields of Dreams” night will feature a live deejay, FIFA tournament, obstacle course, voter registration booth, iPhone 12 Pro Max raffle, T-shirts, drinks, snacks and a free soccer ball giveaway for the first 100 cars to arrive. Local hot dog vendor The Walking Dog will attend.

De Queen Health and Wellness will provide COVID-19 vaccinations with $5 donated to the fields for each shot administered. Folks interested in viewing the city’s fireworks show can park their vehicles for a donation with all proceeds going towards construction and maintenance.

A long-term goal for the project is to qualify as the host site for the 2026 Arkansas High School state soccer tournament and pay homage to the 6-time state championship Leopard soccer team. Organizers believe the ability to host a state tournament will have a positive economic impact on the community.

Ochoa says the overall goal for Samaritan fields and the soccer community of De Queen “is to not have great soccer players, but to have great kids who happen to play soccer.”

A non-profit group has been launched for the Samaritan Fields project. All interested supporters are welcome to attend the first board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Samaritan Fields (1358 W. Collin Raye Drive). For questions, contact Samaritanfields@gmail.com.