Bender JCC of Greater Washington announces construction of PAUL S. BERGER Sportsplex and partnership with Potomac Soccer Association

Bender JCC positions itself as a premier athletic venue in Montgomery County with new inclusive facilities, and programs offered with Potomac Soccer Association

ROCKVILLE, MD. (July 27, 2022) — The Bender JCC of Greater Washington (Bender JCC) announced today the creation of the Paul S. Berger Sportsplex, consisting of refurbished athletic fields, a newly constructed three-season sports and recreation pavilion, and outdoor restrooms that are climate-controlled, and wheel-chair accessible. The inclusive Paul S. Berger Sportsplex, which is fully accessible by people of all abilities, positions the Bender JCC as a premier athletic venue in Montgomery County for recreation, sports, wellness, and summer camp programming.

“The Paul S. Berger Sportsplex is the Bender JCC’s latest investment in our campus and supports a long-standing goal to enhance, provide access to, and better utilize our outdoor spaces,” said Bender JCC CEO Josh Bender. “One important motivation behind this project was to enhance our outdoor spaces for our inclusion program and to ensure we had the proper surfacing, shade, and programmatic space for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities”.

The Inclusive Paul S. Berger Sportsplex Pavilion and Field project received funding through combined awards, gifts, and grants from various local and national foundations and governments. The Bender JCC will honor these generous partners and funders at a dedication ceremony in early 2023. Construction of the Sportsplex began in the summer of 2022 with upgrades to the Bender JCC’s existing athletics field. The Bender JCC will break ground on the pavilion in the fall of 2022.

As part of this project, the Bender JCC also announced today a five-year strategic partnership with Potomac Soccer Association, which will utilize the new outdoor spaces in addition to JCC members and other established community partners.

“The pandemic taught us that the Bender JCC plays a central role in convening our broader Montgomery County community, and collaborating with strategic partners around shared values is the ideal way to serve our community,” said the Acting Chair of the Bender JCC Board of Directors Daryle Bobb.

“Our club is excited to begin this new partnership agreement with the Bender JCC of Greater Washington,” said Potomac Soccer Association Executive Director Laurie Lane. “Throughout our club’s history, we have made it our mission to provide our players the opportunity to grow both on and off of the soccer field. Partnering with the Bender JCC will provide our players with a fantastic facility to help continue building their soccer skills on the field and the opportunity to better serve our community through the JCC’s programs and events.”

In addition to hosting games and practices at the Paul S. Berger Sportsplex, Potomac Soccer will also contribute its highly competitive club-centric model, year-round curriculum, and holistic approach to player development to the Bender JCC community, allowing members to participate in an organized team sport not currently offered at the Center. Through coaching, practices, and workshops, Potomac Soccer will help Bender JCC members grow, improve, and develop their soccer skills for every level of play.

“We are thrilled to build our partnership with The Potomac Soccer Association, a highly competitive club with a reputation for developing the best young soccer players who not only love the game but also understand what it means to be good human beings,” said Josh Bender. “As we continue to enhance the Bender JCC campus with first-class athletic facilities, we also remain committed to expanding our members’ wellness experience by offering new activities, amenities, and programs like pickleball, tennis, and expanded group exercise classes.”

ABOUT THE BENDER JCC OF GREATER WASHINGTON

The Bender JCC cultivates community through a warm and inclusive environment that inspires individuals and families to connect with each other. Our Community Center is a neighborhood – a place to feel comfortable, make new friends and meet up with old friends. It is your place to schmooze, work out, learn a new skill, discuss a book, listen to a concert, see a film and much more.

ABOUT POTOMAC SOCCER ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1980 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, The Potomac Soccer Association (PSA) is a community-based soccer club that provides local-area youth opportunities to develop their talents in the sport through a highly-competitive, challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding environment that also promotes good sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork. To learn more go to: www.potomacsoccer.org