NASHUA – With the current construction of the new Police Athletic League Futsal court at 52 Ash St., children who participate in PAL’s programs and other members of the community came together Saturday to celebrate the location’s soft opening.

The court was funded with $20,000 of the $25,000 of Mayor Jim Donchess’ Your Voice Your Choice initiative, which was aimed at revitalizing certain aspects of the Tree Streets neighborhood. During the initiative, residents in the area were able to propose projects to use the money, after which they voted on different options.

The futsal court received the most support from residents and was chosen as the main project to receive funding, whereas the rest of the funds are being put toward the project that received the second most support – expanding the community gardens.

While the court was full of residents kicking soccer balls, showing off their skills on Saturday, the community celebrated its construction. The court still is in the process of being finished; however, while that process is underway, PAL officials are encouraging people to take advantage of the space.

“The kids thought they couldn’t come in, this is like an intimidating fence structure,” said PAL executive director Shaun Nelson. “The kids thought they would get in trouble if they went inside. We’re trying to tell them ‘no it’s open, come on everybody, let’s enjoy it.'”

Currently, the fence and netting is installed and there are goals at each end, but Nelson said the court won’t officially be open for about another three weeks after it is coated, sealed and has the boundary lines painted on – all which will happen on or after Aug. 20.

Nelson said the new court will provide children with an outlet and activity that doesn’t cost them or their families any money, just access to a soccer ball.

“It’s similar to basketball in the way that it doesn’t cost any money to play, you just need a ball, and you get your friends out and enjoy,” he said. “And, that’s the intention of it, and this is going to be here for the duration.”

The child responsible for bringing the court to the Tree Streets Neighborhood Project, John Almonte, who spends a lot of his time at PAL, said he believes the futsal court will help continue to get the kids that are a part of PAL together and strengthen the bonds they build while participating in the organization’s programs.

“We’re going to have good times playing together,” Almonte said. “In PAL, we only have basketball, but now we have the soccer field, and more people can play.”

The new recreational site also will bring the opportunity for children who can’t afford to participate in pay to play soccer clubs the ability to get professional training through Nashua’s International Soccer Club.

Kids who can’t afford to play the game are around in these areas, and we want to give them that opportunity,” said the club’s representative, Jared Barbosa. “So what we’re going to do when this court comes out, is we’re going to run soccer clinics.”

While partnered with PAL in collaboration with Rivier University, Barbosa said the club also will be providing children an opportunity play on their club.

Mathew Plamondon can be reached at 594-1244 or mplamondon@nashuatelegraph.com, @telegraph_MatP.