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Indianapolis has often been referred to as the amateur sports capital of the world. Alongside our professional teams and nationally recognized collegiate sporting programs - Youth sports is an increasing attraction for our state and across the country. Youth Sports has become a 9 billion dollar industry, mostly driven by sports complexes popping up all over the country. These destination sporting complexes spur economic development and generate revenue by : hosting national tournaments that increases area tourism offering paid training and coaching securing club membership and dues creating a recruiting hub for collegiate and professional teams What family would not invest in the chance for their kid to learn, play and compete against the best? - Not to mention having a chance at a college scholarship! The downside is that youth sports participation has seen a significant drop in participation numbers which is affecting profits - forcing many sports complexes to close their doors. The major reason behind this participation drop is that many kids are being priced out of participation. Youth sports is now becoming a means for kids who come from affluent families - which is leaving the kids from lower income families behind. We've all heard the spoken words of professional athletes that speak to how sports change their lives. Whether it be saving them from a life of crime, an outlet for a broken home, poverty or simply needing the opportunity to develop not only their playing skills - but also their social aptitude to becoming a person and contributor to society. Youth sports, physical activity, or afterschool program participation has its benefits. It’s easy to imagine a kid that leaves school at 2:45 with nothing to do, to turn to negative means as an outlet. StrongNation.org, Council for a Strong America: reports: 2-6pm are the hours in which youth are more at risk of getting into trouble with the law. The Police Chief Magazine published an article stating: “By investing in quality after-school programs, society can save up to three dollars for every dollar invested through reducing crime and increasing children’s potential earnings.” A recent study conducted by the Aspen Institute related to project play shows that kids who are actively participating in sports Score up to 40% higher in test scores 15% of kids are more likely to go to college Produce higher self-esteem And lower’s health risk So how do we serve the underserved youth with a business sense? Sojos Capital is underway in developing 40 plus acres of outdoor sporting fields, with one of the nation’s largest indoor sporting facilities - with a combined 700 thousand square feet! FOR comparison: Spooky Nook Sports, 700,000-square-foot indoor facility - Lancaster, Pennsylvania Grand Park Events Center, 300,000-square-foot indoor facility - Westfield, Indiana Rocky Top Sports World, 86,000-square-foot indoor facility - Gatilinburg, Tennessee This sports destination will be located in the developing International Marketplace Area. Unlike many complexes located in rural areas, a traveling family or team will be minutes from all the amenities; airports, hotels, dining, shopping, entertainment and Downtown Indy. This area will be home to regional, and national tournaments offering: Soccer Basketball Softball/Baseball Football Tennis With indoor facilities of this magnitude, you can look forward to year round revenue generating tournaments, attractions and events. Not only will we be host to many tournaments and various sporting events, kids from all over the city will have access to paid training and coaching from some of the best coaches in the world. This complex will be home to many non-profits such as: 350 Kids Indianapolis Colts Riverplate Indiana Pacers Etc. Etc. These non-profit organizations will utilize our facility to continue the great work they are doing. Our vision is to take upwards of 75% of profits from events, sponsorships, and paid training to expand the offerings of our partnering non-profits - by increasing sports scholarships and adding additional afterschool programs to serve the underprivileged youth. We are looking to change lives through sports. - But with a business strategy in mind. This sports complex will bring a lot of return to the area. The local, regional, and national exposure alone will: Attract talent Attract businesses Bring new jobs Stimulate population growth Sway commuters to move back in the county! Tournaments and sporting events will bring in tourists from all over the world, in turn, increasing revenue for the city that generates tax dollars to fund other improvements of the city, county, and state. But we need a little help. We estimate that this project will cost approximately $100 million. We are seeking financial assistance in the form of city funding and endowments to bring this to life.