Riverhounds to train at Cool Springs
As a youth growing up in Bridgeville, Dan McGovern never dreamed of becoming the next Lionel Messi. In fact, Barcelona soccer wasn’t on his radar. Baseball was.
“I never actually had the chance to play soccer,” said McGovern, who played baseball for South Fayette while in high school, “but I am becoming (a fan). I go to (Riverhounds) soccer matches and practices now. I play vicariously through them.”
By late autumn, McGovern won’t have to do that anymore. He will have direct contact with professional soccer players because the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will make the Allegheny Health Network Sports Complex at Cool Springs its official indoor training facility.
“This is great news for the South Hills area and soccer fans at large,” said McGovern, who is the director of recreation for the sports complex at Cool Springs. “I am extremely excited.”
The Riverhounds will begin using the facility for training when it opens. McGovern predicts Nov. 1, which coincides with the complex’s official grand opening. When completed, the facility will feature a regulation-sized soccer field, a gym for conditioning and rehabilitation as well as onsite orthopaedic and athletic training services provided by Allegheny Health Network.
AHN enjoys a collaborative relationship with the Riverhounds. It is the team’s official medical provider. In addition, AHN’s facility at Cool Springs will offer outpatient orthopedic care, diagnostics and athletic training services in 14,000 square feet of office space complemented by the state-of-the-art fitness facility.
According to Riverhounds President Richard Nightingale, the team is anxious to workout in a familiar area. Before building a soccer stadium at Station Square, the Riverhounds found a home at Bethel Park and Chartiers Valley high school stadiums.
“We look forward to preparing our team for competition in this new, world-class training environment,” Nightingale said.
According to McGovern, in addition to the pro team using the facility, the Riverhounds Academy will find a home at Cool Springs. A skill-driven program, the Academy is designed to improve youth soccer players through exposure to professionals and coaches in a tiered system based on age and technical abilities.
“This is truly exciting for us and the soccer community,” said McGovern. “Our partnership with the Riverhounds will directly benefit the youth of the South Hills, providing convenient access to elite programs in their own backyard.”
In addition to catering to professional and youth soccer training, McGovern noted the 172,00-square-foot indoor facility offers teams and leagues, including adults. Since the facility will feature multipurpose basketball and volleyball courts and a field, which can be used for American football and lacrosse, Cool Springs will offer leagues for ages 3-12. Leagues for flag football, T-ball, basketball and soccer are forming. Registration is being accepted online at www.i9sports.com or by calling 412-223-6400.
“We have a full digest of programs and schedules,” said McGovern, who earned a business management degree from Robert Morris University.
“It’s exciting to be a part of what we are doing here,” he added. “This is definitely something that I had hoped to be doing.”
Since undergoing a face-lift in 2014, Cool Springs has been doing golfing well. The golf center complements the AHN complex. It features a new clubhouse, two-tier driving range, fully turfed landing area, indoor virtual golf simulators, pro shop, 18-hole miniature golf course, restaurant and pub.
“Our ultimate goal is for Cool Springs Sports Complex to become the premier sports destination in Western Pennsylvania,” said Brian Shanahan, Penn Cove Group Capital’s founder. “A strong partnership with the Riverhounds and Allegheny Health Network brings us closer to that vision.”
The Riverhounds will kick off its 2015 season on March 28 under the direction of new head coach Mark Steffens, an 18-year USL Pro coaching veteran who won two championships with the Charlotte Eagles.