JBU Receives Grant from Walmart Foundation for Futsal Courts

John Brown University announced this week it has received a $76,677 grant from the Walmart Foundation to build the first public futsal courts in Northwest Arkansas. Located on the east side of JBU’s Siloam Springs’ campus, the futsal facility will be open to the public and the City of Siloam Springs will contribute the labor and equipment for construction.

“John Brown University is deeply grateful for the generosity of the Walmart Foundation. With our partners Siloam Springs Futbol Club (SSFC) and the City of Siloam Springs, the Walmart foundation gift will provide this new soccer facility to promote active play and health and wellness in our community,” JBU President Dr. Chip Pollard said. “This facility will help to meet the growing interest in soccer in our community. It is a wonderful example of private and public partnerships that benefits everyone involved.”

The hard surface courts facilitate a 5-on-5 soccer-like game focused on controlled footwork and passing and dribbling skills with a smaller, denser ball. The facility will serve JBU’s soccer and intramural programs, the 700 young people in the SSFC, and the community through both an adult league and through informal games.

“SSFC is grateful to JBU for leading and to the City of Siloam Springs for partnering in this project,” said Dwayne Buxton, SSFC president. “The futsal courts will be a great asset to our community and a valuable resource to SSFC for our players to improve their skills, form relationships with other players, have unrestricted availability of field space and goals and most importantly, more space for the entire community. These courts will provide a great opportunity for all to get together, be physically active and enjoy the game.”

The 120-by-150 foot facility will consist of two smaller courts and one larger court. The courts will be fenced and lighted for evening play. The futsal facility will be adjacent to the existing publicly- accessed recreational amenities on campus including the community walking trail and the outdoor fitness gym.

The total cost for the project is estimated at $200,000. JBU will raise or provide the remaining funds and provide the land for the court. The SSFC, who helped in the grant process, will facilitate the day-to-day operations of the courts.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Ranked No. 2 among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News, JBU enrolls more than 2,700 students from 42 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.