Sports CLUB of Naples expanding to Ave Maria
In exciting news for families and residents of Ave Maria, Sports CLUB of Naples announced plans to launch a capital campaign to fund build a new, state-of-the-art recreational facility near the Ave Maria’s North Park campus. The facility will offer a variety of programming for residents of all ages, further expanding the organization’s reach in Collier County.
“Ave Maria will continue to grow, and with that, we’ve been able to attract more interest from businesses wanting to be a part of the community. Bringing Sports CLUB to Ave Maria is a win for residents looking for more recreational opportunities and after school and summer childcare close to home,” said Cee Cee Marinelli, vice president of commercial leasing real estate for community developer, Barron Collier Companies.
Founded in 1999, the Sports CLUB is a non-profit organization that began as a summer camp program aimed at introducing children to multiple sports in an engaging way. Since then, the program has grown into Collier County’s largest after-school care program. Programs are currently held at the main headquarters facility in North Naples and 10 satellite locations at Collier County elementary schools. Over 1,000 students participate in enrichment activities each week.
In addition to after-school care, Sports CLUB programs include summer camps, K6 Sports, gymnastics and a Friday Parent’s Night Out. Each program aims to provide an opportunity for children to engage in physical activity while also helping them develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. They emphasize sports and game, sportsmanship and social values as well as rules and strategy.
Prior to the new facility, Sports CLUB is bringing their K6 Basketball League into the community. The new facility in Ave Maria will offer a wide range of programs, including after-school care, summer camps, gymnastics and sports leagues. While plans have not been finalized, Sports CLUB intends for the facility to include multi-purpose sports fields, an indoor sports complex, classrooms and community spaces, all designed to support the physical, educational and social development of children. In addition, the facility will introduce evening programming for adult sports leagues, giving adult residents more opportunities to stay active and engaged.
“We have planned a bigger and nicer version of our Naples headquarters that will accommodate continued growth in the local area,” Beatty added. His mission has always been to provide a safe, supportive environment for children to learn, play and grow. While details are still being finalized, the new Sports CLUB facility is expected to be a valuable addition to Ave Maria, helping to meet the needs of the growing community while creating job opportunities and enrichment opportunities for families for years to come.
Sports CLUB’s interest in expanding into Ave Maria was driven by the area’s rapid growth and the community’s need for more recreational programs. “Ave Maria is a fast-growing, family-focused area in need of expanded recreational programs that Sports CLUB offers,” Beatty said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to bring our programs to the community.”
For more information about Sports CLUB, visit them online at sportsclubnaples.org.