The loose gravel shuffles beneath the tires above, the familiar sound of car doors slamming and friendly encounters fill the air, along with the already present smell of rubber. As the lights flicker on around the chain-link fence the noises seem to fade into one. The whip of laces being tied into knots, the click of cleats on the cold pavement, the bounce of balls beginning to rise into the air, all noises a daily visitor would be accustomed to. The players begin to rise, warming the winter air out of their legs and bodies, focusing in on themselves, imagining the glory that can be accomplished in their minds. The ball goes back and forth swiftly, making no mistakes as it travels from foot to foot, cleat to cleat. It starts to travel faster, faster, faster then the previous pass. The whistle chirps like a fire alarm in the dead of night. Kicks. Throws. Tackles. The crowds’ encouraging yells wash over the players like a wave, allowing them to live off the adrenaline pulsing through them. Welcome, to Luchessi.

Starting out as a toddler playing soccer, I have been returning to Luchessi weekly, for training, conditioning, games, and anything else soccer. It is a place that stores the key to my dreams and my future as a soccer player. It is a place that many have graced their talented selves upon, the foundation of a journey that could ensure colleges, even jobs with.

The used, old turf has experienced blood, sweat, and tears throughout the years of its existence. It has experienced a variety of people as well. It has had men and women; boys and girls; clubs like SCA and Atletico. They have all had the same purpose for using Luchessi: to play a sport they love.

From far away, the run-down “stadium” looks of very low status, but the heart contained inside is indescribable. The dedication to a sport is shared within the community and throughout the county. As you descend down the cement steps you find yourself in a world very different from the one you came from. You find yourself in a world the revolved around soccer and teamwork and helping each other and enthusiasm and most definitely love for the game. People of all ages, genders, and teams come together on one field despite their differences in talent or heart to play. Walking on a sidewalk filled with clutter of bags and shoes, soccer balls and backpacks, is when you start to get closer to the field. As the loose rubber turf starts to collect is when you know you are about to set foot on the field. On the side near the entrance is a continuous line of old, wooden benches, which rest a foot above piles of sunflower seeds, enjoyed by bystanders watching the game or practice. The field is outlined in crisp white lines, which cannot be mistaken for the various other lines that serve a purpose for lacrosse. Corners, penalty spots, half-field- each are marked with a dot, worn out by the popular use due to set plays.

Surrounding the field beyond the fences are hills, which separate the facilities around it. On the left side of the field is The Boys & Girls Club; while on the left side of the field there is a baseball park. On these hill you will find parents searching for a better view, players searching for either baseballs or soccer balls that have been hit so hard they exited the enclosed areas, or little kids searching for fun when they get bored. The parking lot is constantly filled with cars: there is never a day where there is not a game or the field is not booked with practices. On the rare occasions where the field is open for the public to use, you will see dedicated players practicing or conditioning, trying to better themselves and push themselves to be as good as they can possibly be.

To me, Luchessi is more than just a run-down soccer field. I have been playing soccer there for more than seven years, and I know I will continue on because it is something I love to do. It is a place where I can go to the field- to practice- to relieve the stress in my life- to focus on the important things in my life without the drama of being a teenager. There is no doubt that this field has shaped the person I am today. It has brought challenges upon me that I was forced to overcome, whether it was injuries or talent or competition. It has taught me to be confident in myself with whatever I strive to do in life. It has taught me the values of teamwork and its benefits. And it has taught me to be a leader and a strong person that my loved ones can be proud of. Without Luchessi I would not be the same.