A Corner Brook soccer pitch has new life as city prepares to host rest of N.L.

A newly renovated soccer pitch in Corner Brook is bringing excitement to the city ahead of a busy summer — and as host of the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games next year.

The Doug Sweetapple Field was first opened with a turf field for the games in 2008. But after 17 years, the president of the Corner Brook United Soccer Club said a new field was badly needed.

"It was starting to become not safe for players to be on. And so … we're very happy that it's replaced now," Deidre MacDonnell told CBC News on Monday.

The field is already in demand as the soccer season ramps up, she said. The sport has been growing rapidly in Corner Brook, going from 425 youth in 2021 to around 650 this summer.

"This club is kind of the facility that joins us all, and that's where our name comes from, Corner Brook United," MacDonnell said.

"We're starting to participate in more top-tier provincial leagues and tournaments. And as a result of that participation, we are hosting more teams.… It's just really nice to have a wonderful facility to host them at, but a fantastic playing surface as well."

The field will be a key venue when Corner Brook hosts the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games in 2026.

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