INDIANAPOLIS — An educational and recreational facility will be built near Ben Davis High School after an agreement was recently reached between Wayne Township and Next Academy Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by a BDHS alum. The site will be used for an indoor soccer facility, a stadium with a grandstand as well as a community campus with meeting rooms and event spaces. The project is broken down into four phases and is expected to begin with phase one in Spring 2025 with the following features: 11v11 turf field One modular building Admin office with restroom and staff kitchen Storage Grassy hill (existing) for training/yoga/other activities Next Academy Inc. said this in a statement: Next Academy Inc. is committed to uplifting Indianapolis youth by offering a wide range of sports, arts, and entrepreneurship programs. The organization’s mission is to break down systemic barriers and offer access to crucial programs that foster personal growth and success across multiple industries. Next 11 Academy, the organization’s soccer program, is committed to inclusivity and breaking down the pay-to-play model prevalent in youth soccer. Next Academy Inc. is deeply rooted in underserved spaces, ensuring children are mentally prepared to conquer challenges. The goal is to equip youth with the best resources available, enabling them to pursue their dreams within their communities. Tamba Samba, Executive Director of Coaching The second phase of the project, in Fall 2025, will be the container zone which will primarily focus on: 11v11 turf field One modular building Admin office with restroom and staff kitchen Storage Grassy hill (existing) for training/yoga/other activities The third phase of the project, in Summer 2026, will focus on: One 11v11 turf stadium field 500-1000 grandstand seating Additional parking Stadium lights Pressbox Locker rooms/bathroom Concessions The fourth and final phase of the project, in Fall 2026, will focus on: One 9v9 indoor turf soccer field Two basketball courts on wood flooring Training/flex fields on turf Locker rooms with showers Offices/Storage Concessions Parking upgrades Phase 1: Field OnePhase 2: Container Zone Phase 3: Stadium Field Phase 4: Indoor Facility The vision for the facility was inspired by Tamba Samba, a Ben Davis alumni, former professional soccer player and founder of Next Academy Inc., whose family moved from Liberia to Bloomington in the 1990s. His family later moved to Indianapolis, where he attended BDHS and joined their Spirit Travel team. After the Spirit Travel team dissolved, students had no options for competitive soccer at the school. So, Samba found and joined a traveling soccer team that would later lead to him earning a scholarship to Notre Dame. Understanding the value of the sport, Samba wanted to further provide opportunities to Hoosier students by creating Next 11 Academy, a flagship soccer program within the Next Academy organization. In coordination with his former teammate Lauren Cheney Holiday, a former professional soccer player, Ben Davis alum and Indianapolis native, the idea to create a new facility came to life. "This collaboration holds a special place in my heart as it directly impacts the place and people who supported me through my developmental years,” Holiday said. “It’s a full-circle moment, allowing me to use my experience to create opportunities for young talents in my hometown.” Lauren Holiday and her husband, Jrue Holiday, have made it their philanthropic mission to support Next Academy Inc. Jrue Holiday is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time NBA Champion. High School Wrestling becomes official sport for women in Indiana Superintendent of MSD Wayne Township, Dr. Jeff Butts, said this in a statement: “I have always believed in the valuable lessons learned through sport. As Superintendent of Schools, I could not be more excited that these amazing Ben Davis alumni are making such a significant contribution back to their community. As the Chairman of the Wayne Sports Park Board, I am extremely excited for the opportunities this will provide to our youth on the Westside of Indianapolis. As the President of Indy Gateway, the Next Academy’s investment in our community will be an economic driver for local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. And as a resident, the improvements this will bring to the corner of 21st Street and Girls School Road will make Wayne Township an even better place to live and raise a family." Dr. Jeff Butts The facility will replace Wayne Sports Park at 7550 W. 21st St. and is expected to be complete in the summer or fall of 2026. Learn more about the Next 11 Academy facility vision here.