The Licking County Family YMCA is excited to announce that an agreement has been made with the Thomas J. Evans Foundation to manage the athletic complex at 600 Baker Boulevard in Newark! The longtime site of the Newark Area Soccer Association (NASA) will undergo new management beginning Nov. 11th, 2025.
The Evans Foundation can only lease the fields to a nonprofit. The current leaseholder, Newark Area Soccer Association (NASA), lost its nonprofit status after failing to file required IRS forms. NASA leadership turned over programming to Kings Hammer, a for-profit club, which is not eligible to lease the fields. To protect community access and preserve youth soccer, the Foundation invited the YMCA to step in.
No. The Thomas J. Evans Foundation retains ownership of the property. The YMCA will manage the site and use it for programming.
NASA/Kings Hammer will continue programming through November 10, 2025. After that, they must cease operations at the fields.
We will launch a recreational soccer program in Spring 2026. More information to come soon!
As part of our field management, we may also rent field space to:
• Travel/elite soccer clubs
• Tournament organizers
• School programs and community events
Our focus will remain on inclusive, values-based youth development.
A joint community announcement is below! In the months ahead, we will:
• Host info sessions for families and potential coaches
• Share program updates via social media, email, and our website
• Provide clear registration timelines and pricing
Join our mailing list with the button above to ensure you get the most up-to-date information. We look forward to continuing to provide a strong community program!
BVFYMCA & Thomas J. Evans Foundation Community Announcement
The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA and the Thomas J. Evans Foundation are pleased to announce that they have entered into a lease, effective November 11, 2025, on the Baker Boulevard Soccer Complex in north Newark. The YMCA will assume the management of the complex.
Ownership of the land remains with the Thomas J. Evans Foundation, which has sought a local established nonprofit partner to manage the fields and continue the long-standing soccer tradition in the area. The lease agreement carries no rental cost to the YMCA. The YMCA will oversee both management of the fields and leadership of a youth soccer program.
Sarah Wallace, Chair of the Board of the Thomas J. Evans Foundation, shared her enthusiasm:
"We are thrilled to announce this partnership. We have complete confidence that the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA will not only sustain but will expand the opportunities at the Baker Boulevard Soccer Complex. Hundreds of children and families in our community will be well served by the YMCA’s management, and we know the program is in excellent hands."
The Buckeye Valley Family YMCA is a well-established, financially sound nonprofit organization deeply rooted in Licking County. With proven success running large-scale youth athletic programs such as volleyball, football, swimming, gymnastics, and basketball, to name a few, the YMCA brings extensive expertise to the recreational soccer program.
Adam Shilling, CEO of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA, expressed his excitement for the future:
"The YMCA is proud to step into this role stewarding the soccer program and complex. Recreational sports help young people grow not just in skill but in teamwork, confidence, and community connections. We believe every child should have a chance to play and grow in a safe, supportive environment. Our goal is to create a program that reflects the values of this community. We look forward to continuing this strong tradition and ensuring every child has a great experience on the field."
Current programming will continue through November 10, 2025, under the direction of existing providers. The YMCA will begin managing the facility and launching its own soccer programming in Spring 2026. Additional details—including program registration, coach opportunities, and field rental information—will be shared with families, coaches, and the community in the coming months.