SBLI FIELDS AT PROGIN PARK 512 OLD UNION TURNPIKE, LANCASTER, MA 01523

Nestled along the Mohawk Trail in Lancaster Massachusetts is one of the premier soccer complexes in the country. Opened in 2007, the SBLI Fields At Progin Park is a field facility with 11 natural grass and five synthetic turf fields. Each field meets FIFA international regulation guidelines in size (110 yards x 75 yards). The natural grass fields are Kentucky Blue Grass and each field is maintained at the highest level so that every time a player steps between the lines, they are playing on the best ‘pitch’ they have ever encountered.

The SBLI Fields At Progin Park are meticulously maintained, periodically rested, and over seeded to ensure that each is of professional quality. The complex sits on 130 acres with 10 international-size fields near the intersection of Routes 2 and 70 in the so-called Drumlin Area. Five of these 10 fields are state-of-the-art all-weather Field Turf synthetic turf fields. The Drumlin Area provides parking, and a permanent main pavilion for registration, awards ceremonies, and more. Over the river and through the woods, quite literally, is the Quarry Area. This houses six more international-size natural grass fields.

The complex features a pavilion with a concession stand. We have also installed lightning shelters throughout the complex to protect our visitors in the event of severe inclement weather.

Field Map

Click Here to view Field Map for SBLI Fields At Progin Park

Rules of Conduct

We take great pride in our fields, and ask that all visitors respect the staff, obey all traffic and parking rules, and comply with the general rules of conduct.

Lost and Found

If you lose something at our fields, please email LostandFound@mayouthsoccer.org. Items like soccer balls, clothing or other soccer equipment that go unclaimed for seven (7) days will be donated. Items of significant value, like electronics and jewelry, will be held for 21 days and then donated.

Brian “Otis” Falvey is the Facilities Manager. He can be reached at 978-598-3617.

All of the 16 fields at the SBLI Fields At Progin Park are available for rental for games, practices, and tournaments. Please contact Lori Jiménez, Fields and Hotels Manager, at LJimenez@mayouthsoccer.org or 978-422-4097 for rates and availability.

For terms and conditions applicable to all rentals please click here

Required Protocols for Medical Staff

Handheld cameras, video cameras, and camera phones used by common spectators (amateur family and friends) are welcome at all Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association sanctioned, approved and managed events.

Amateur shoots are subject to the following:

  • Photographs and videos are for personal use only and may not be sold.
  • Natural light only; no flash or other supplemental light.
  • Tripods, monopods, handheld microphones, and other external equipment are permitted with the following stipulations:
  • Equipment must be under the user’s control at all times and when not in use, dismantled and out of harm’s way
  • No camera may extend more than 1 foot higher than the user’s natural unassisted head height, except if a Spectator Photography and Videography Indemnification Agreement is signed.
  • No use of drones or any other remote photography/videography equipment.
  • A safe distance must be maintained from all players, referees,  and the field of play.
  • Shoots may only be taken from the spectator side of the field.
  • Must sign a Spectator Photography and Videography Indemnification Agreement if using camera extension equipment above 1 foot higher than the user’s natural unassisted head height.

Professional shoots (photo and videography) must provide Mass Youth Soccer with the following:

  • Approval from field licensee (if not a Mass Youth Soccer event)
  • Signed Indemnification Agreement with Mass Youth Soccer
  • Certificate of Insurance listing Mass Youth Soccer as an Additional Insured (amounts of coverage and requirements are contained in the aforementioned Indemnification Agreement.)

Professional shoots are subject to the following:

  • Natural light only; no flash or other supplemental light.
  • Tripods, monopods, handheld microphones, and other external equipment are permitted with the following stipulations:
  • Equipment must be under the user’s control at all times and when not in use, dismantled and out of harm’s way
  • Equipment extending beyond 1 foot over the user’s user’s natural unassisted head height must be securely anchored.
  • No use of drones or any other remote photography/videography equipment.
  • A safe distance must be maintained from all players, referees, and the field of play.
  • Shoots should only be taken from the spectator side of the field.  Any other locations may be used only with prior approval of the on-site facility manager.

PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING PHOTO/VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDING

Take notice.  When you enter a Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association event or facility, you will be entering an area where photography, video, and audio recording may occur.

By entering the event or facility premises, you and anyone accompanying you under your care agree to consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on web sites, or any other purpose by Mass Youth Soccer and its affiliates and representatives. You release Mass Youth Soccer, its officers and employees, its successors, assigns, licensees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication of interviews, photographs, images, video and/or or sound recordings.

By entering the event or facility premises, you and anyone accompanying you under your care waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by Mass Youth Soccer or the person or entity designated to do so by Mass Youth Soccer.

You and anyone accompanying you under your care have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering the event or facility.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Massachusetts Youth Soccer has developed partnerships with hotels located close to the The SBLI Fields At Progin Park, and we are able to reserve large blocks of rooms during tournament weekends and to negotiate favorable rates for the teams and clubs that come to play at our field complex and book through Mass Youth. In order to attain these favorable rates, our policy requires all teams to make their hotel reservations for the entire team through Massachusetts Youth Soccer.

Please contact Lori Jiménez for all hotel inquiries and group bookings. Ljimenez@mayouthsoccer.org
Please do not contact the hotels directly.

List of Hotel Partners:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Leominster | Website
99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453 | 978-534-9000
Travel time to The Fields at Progin Park: 8 minutes | 4.7 miles

SpringHill Suites Devens | Website
27 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434 | 978-772-3030
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 12 minutes | 5.8 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Devens Website
59 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434 | 978-772-0600
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 12 minutes | 5.8 miles

Great Wolf Lodge | Website
150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg MA 01420
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 12 minutes | 10 miles
Courtyard Boston Littleton Website 
102 Constitution Avenue, Littleton, MA
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 14 minutes | 13 miles
Hyatt Place Apex Center MarlboroughWebsite
169 Apex Drive, Marlborough, MA 508-506-8100
Travel time to The Fields at Progin Park: 21 minutes | 16 miles
Fairfield Inn & Suites Marlborough Website
105 Apex Drive, Marlborough, MA 508-720-1500
Travel time to The Fields at Progin Park: 24 minutes | 17 miles

Holiday Inn & Suites Marlborough | Website
265 Lakeside Avenue, Marlborough, MA 01752 | 508-481-3000
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 25 minutes | 16.6 miles

Hilton Garden Inn Marlborough Website
170 Forest Street, Marlborough MA | 508-251-6706
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 25 minutes | 18 miles
DoubleTree by Hilton Boston-Westborough Website
5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 | 508-213-3073
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 25 minutes | 22.1 miles
Embassy Suites Marlborough | Website
123 Boston Post West, Marlborough, MA 01752 | 508-485-5900
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 27 minutes | 18.3 miles
Courtyard by Marriott Westborough Website
3 Technology Drive, Westborough, MA 01581 | 508-836-4800
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 34 minutes | 22.3 miles
Courtyard by Marriott Billerica | Website
270 Concord Street, Billerica, MA 01821 | 978-670-7500
Travel Time to The Fields at Progin Park: 28 minutes | 27.1 miles

Mass Youth Soccer Weather Policy

Weather conditions are the responsibility of the game officials, coaches, tournament directors and club administrators. All should be aware of the potential dangers posed by different weather conditions and work together to keep the players and other participants as safe as possible. If the weather conditions warrant, game officials and coaches should discuss before the game starts what the procedures will be to insure the safety of the players. Tournament directors should monitor weather conditions including the warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service. In the event of sudden changes, the tournament directors should have a means of sending warnings to the site officials. A weather plan should be provided to the participating teams to allow a clear understanding of shelter locations, evacuation plans and how the weather will affect tournament results. Club administrators should perform similar functions for league play.
The following information applies to both games and other soccer activities.
Technology has improved the monitoring capability for all concerned. There are many new apps for phones and tablets that provide accurate and timely weather reports, forecasts and warnings.  Lightning detectors can take the guesswork out of how far away lightning is. Cell phones and two-way radios can meet communication requirements to implement weather plans.

Preliminary Concerns

It is strongly recommended that clubs make sure their coaches all have the latest weather apps loaded on their phones.  These apps should include instant weather conditions and lightning strike notification.
Conditions in one location may be very different from another, especially the further apart the two locations are. The coaches are responsible for keeping informed of the weather conditions at home, along their route to the game and at the game site. The coaches are also responsible for communications with the opposing coach and their own team in the event of inclement weather. Discussions between the coaches must provide for common sense to prevail.

Severe Storms

Severe storms can produce high winds, heavy rain, hail, lightning, thunder and/or tornados. If a severe storm approaches the playing area, the safety of the players is the number one priority of coaches and referees, and may require that the game be suspended while shelter is sought. In the event the game is suspended, ALL participants MUST clear the field immediately and move into their cars or other permanent shelter.
High winds can create problems by dust and debris being in the air or blowing over objects. Heavy rain can create hazardous field conditions or lead to flash flooding. Hail can cause injury. Lightning and thunder is discussed separately below. Tornados are obvious dangers of any severe storm. Use common sense and seek shelter as appropriate.

Thunder and Lightning

Lightning is the second leading cause of storm-related deaths (flooding is first). Lightning can strike up to 10 miles outside of a thunderstorm, literally a bolt from the blue. The danger from lightning can persist for 20-30 minutes or more after a thunderstorm has passed. The National Weather Service does not issue watches or warnings for lightning by itself. However, the National Weather Service does advise that if you see a lightning bolt and hear the thunder in 30 seconds or less, you seek shelter and wait 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activity.
If a person can hear thunder, or see lightning, the danger already is present. A clear, sunny sky overhead with storm clouds nearby can still be dangerous.
Referees and Coaches should adhere to the following:
  • If lightning is within five miles, with or without hearing thunder, the game(s) or practice(s) should be suspended and shelter sought. A lightning detector or similar app can identify the distance accurately but may not be available. A rough guideline is to measure the time between the lightning flash and hearing the corresponding thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter. It may not be possible to determine which lightning strike generated which roll of thunder. A simple rule: If you can see it or hear it, clear it!
  • Mass Youth Soccer recommends that participants seek immediate shelter in their automobiles or a designated severe weather shelter, if there is one nearby. Smaller, open structures, tents, trees, isolated areas, etc, should be avoided. Cars, with windows rolled up or buses, can provide good shelter. Avoid contact with metal or other conducting materials to the outside surfaces. Do not stay in open, unprotected areas.
  • Games should not be restarted for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen or roll of thunder is heard.
  • Tournaments should inform participating teams of notification and evacuation plans and shelters near the playing sites.

Hot Weather

Heat is a problem when it prevents the body from cooling itself. The hotter the body gets, the more likely it is to increase fatigue levels, develop cramps and increase the possibility of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The hotter and more humid the weather, the faster these problems can develop. Temperatures as low as 65 degrees, with a relative humidity of 100%, can be serious.
1. A heat index chart should be given to every coach and referee (www.nws.noaa.gov)
2. Games need to be adjusted as the heat index rises:
a. Mandatory water breaks
b. Go to quarters
c. Shorten the games
3. Provide training to coaches to teach the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Club administrators and tournament officials are responsible for monitoring the heat index (by weather radio, online or the Weather Channel) and keeping the participating teams and game officials informed of the heat index. Coaches are encouraged to also monitor the conditions. The following are recommended when there is a possibility of dangerous high heat index:
Heat Index
Recommendations
Up to 84°
Normal Play
85° – 89°
Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time.
90° – 99°
Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by five minutes.
100° – 104°
Mandatory two-minute water breaks per half with running time. Each half shortened by ten minutes.
105°+
Suspend Play
Apply the above recommendations to both games and other soccer activities.
For further information, please check the NOAA website for additional information in regards to how temperature and humidity combine to make it feel hotter.

Special Heat Rules for TOPSoccer

If the heat index exceeds 90 degrees, the practice or game is immediately suspended. If the National Weather Service issues a heat index warning that will exceed 90 degrees, the MYSA TOPSoccer Committee Chairperson (or designee) will notify TOPSoccer administrators by 1:00 p.m. on practice/game day that practices/games are suspended. Parents and/or legal guardians should also listen for heat warnings and take appropriate action.

Cold Weather

For fall play, cold becomes a factor. Players should be allowed to dress in appropriate clothing. Field conditions will be affected by freezing rain, sleet and snow. The ground may become frozen and be unsafe for play. Temperature means either ambient (still air) or wind chill index. Check weather radio frequently for temperature and weather conditions.
Cold Index
Recommendations
46° and higher
No Change
45° and lower
Allowable Additional Clothing:
  • Layered beneath uniform (for example)
    • long sleeves
    • long pants
    • additional socks
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Stocking caps without straps
  • Sweat pants or shirts – In the case of extremely cold weather, may be worn underneath the uniform, provided the entire team uses the same color sweats
  • Jackets may be worn under the uniform so that referees can see the player’s number in the event of a card being issued.
Clothing NOT Allowed:
  • Hooded sweatshirts
    • hoods and strings present possibility of being grabbed
  • Ear muffs (headbands OK)
    • plastic or metal part crossing top of head presents potential hazard
  • Scarves
    • Isadora Duncan Syndrome
40° and lower
Above + Shorten games by 5 min/half
35° and lower
Suspend games
Apply the above recommendations to both games and other soccer activities.
  • Players on sidelines should remain dressed (if in warm-ups) until they enter the game.
  • Players coming off should towel off (if sweaty) and get dressed quickly.
  • No one should sit or lie directly on ground. The heat is lost faster to ground than to air. Blankets and chairs are recommended.
  • Keep hydrated-avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks.
  • Keep an eye on field conditions (wet, icy, etc.). Cold wet conditions can quickly change field from safe footing to slippery.
  • Keep an eye on the goalie—usually the player who gets coldest first, as not running or moving like a field player.
  • Referees and coaches should discuss weather and fields pre-game.
  • Safety and health of the players come first.

Concessions are provided through a partnership agreement with Il-Forno Restaurant & Catering.

The concession stand will operate during all major events (most weekends), showcases and tournaments.