Articles about the building of the Danville Area Soccer Complex

Physician's Dreams & Efforts Create Soccer Complex

"I think the town where you live is what you make of it."

The name Tom Halloran is synonymous with soccer around the Danville area. Tom Halloran, MD, is an internal medicine specialist with Carle Clinic and a member of the medical staff at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center. He has given back to his community many times over through his involvement with the Danville Area Soccer complex.

Dr. Halloran's dreams and efforts were at the forefront of both the planning and construction of this complex, as well as the dedication ceremony on September 12. Even though Dr. Halloran is the field development chairman of this project, his whole family is very involved in the soccer effort, including his wife, Darlene, and children Patrick, 14; Kate, 17; and John, 20. Dr. Halloran and his family have lived in Danville for nearly 14 years.

Getting Involved in the Community
"I think the town where you live is what you make of it," he says. Wherever Dr. Halloran and his wife have lived, they have tried to keep involved in the community. He is also on the United Way Board, and was formerly active in the Heart Association Board and the Great American Smokeout through the American Cancer Society.

"A lot of what I do is thinking about it. When you have a project like this soccer field, the key is to get people who know what they are doing to help," says Dr. Halloran.

That is indeed what Dr. Halloran did. Local contractors and builders donated their expertise and materials, a local grocery store provided soft drinks for the dedication day, and countless individuals gave of their time and talent to make this project a reality.

There are more than 1,200 youths playing soccer in Vermilion County. Dr. Halloran says, "No matter how good they are, the kids can feel like they really participate when they are playing soccer. It's a good sport for both boys and girls."

Launching a Dream

What could be more rewarding than seeing the complex come to life on opening day, September 12, 1998, when more than 2,000 soccer players, families, local residents and public officials enjoyed the kickoff celebration with games, parachute landings, marching band music and speeches. The eight fields, concession and restroom areas, and parking lots that were dedicated will be enjoyed for years to come by the people of the Danville area. Dr. Halloran's vision had come true.

The new fields and buildings cost about half a million dollars. The land is leased from the school district and the City of Danville. All the money and the labor came from local sources, including many businesses, professionals, corporations and individuals, with welcome help from grants from the United States Soccer Federation and the State of Illinois.

Halloran says, "You get into it for your kids," and admits he never played a game of soccer before coming to Danville. Today, Dr. Halloran is totally immersed in the sport. He is also a soccer coach. Last season he led the Danville Soccer Club's under-14 team through a successful season with six wins and only two losses.