River Plate Talent Trials and New Hockey Turf at Club Atlético Ventana
Club Atlético Ventana is financing a new synthetic hockey turf through a community-funded “square meter” campaign and hosting open talent trials for Club Atlético River Plate, according to club president Pedro Raspeño. These initiatives aim to eliminate competitive disadvantages for local hockey players and provide regional youth access to professional scouting.
Raspeño confirmed in a radio interview with FM Reflejos that the institution has signed an agreement with the company Atlantis to acquire synthetic grass. The club currently trains on dirt or natural grass, which forces the team to play all its matches as visitors. To address this, the club recently merged with Pelotas de Coronel Pringles to remain competitive.
How is Club Atlético Ventana funding its new hockey turf?
The project is funded through a direct credit from the factory and a community solidarity campaign. The club has already paid a $5,000 USD deposit and deposited between 20 and 25 million pesos toward the total cost.
Community members can contribute by purchasing square meters of the turf for 30,000 pesos each. According to Raspeño, the club expects to reach 50% of the total payment within approximately eight months, aided by revenue from the Fiesta Provincial de la Primavera.
Once the 50% threshold is met, the company will deliver the turf. The remaining 50% of the balance is expected to be financed over a two-year period.
Who is participating in the River Plate talent search?
Club Atlético River Plate’s youth categories are conducting open trials at the club’s facilities for players born between 2013 and 2018. The event is free of charge and is coordinated by Luciano “El Pelo” Rinaldi.
The scouting event includes Mariano Tedesco and Cristian Mastantuono, the father of River Plate first-division player Franco Mastantuono. Raspeño noted that the trials attract youth from several regional areas, including Coronel Pringles, Coronel Suárez, Tornquist, Saldungaray, and Coronel Dorrego.
What happens next for the club’s infrastructure?
The club is prioritizing the hockey project because the football fields at Galileo Galilei are already scheduled for renewal. This allows the administration to focus current soil work and financial resources on the hockey sector.
Future progress depends on the community’s response to the square-meter campaign. If funding targets are met, the synthetic carpet could be installed following the completion of ongoing soil analysis and leveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does one square meter of the hockey turf cost?
Each square meter is priced at 30,000 pesos.
Which youth categories are eligible for the River Plate trials?
The trials are open to players born between 2013 and 2018.
When will the synthetic turf be delivered?
The company will deliver the turf once the club reaches 50% of the total payment, which Raspeño estimates will take about eight months.
Do you believe community-funded infrastructure projects are the most sustainable way for local sports clubs to grow?