Biz of the Week: KK Athletics

If you have ever had the urge to play soccer late at night, KK Athletics in Farmingville is the place to be.  A 36,000 square foot building, comprised of five turf fields, KK is currently open from 7 p.m. through midnight on weekdays, and from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. on weekends.  These unique hours make the facility a convenient spot for adults and children to participate in the various leagues and activities offered. 

Between the Farmingville location, and a second in Brentwood, about 220 teams play at KK Athletics, with November through March being the peak season.  In addition to soccer, KK hosts approximately 20 lacrosse teams, and has been home to various football and field hockey games.

Founder and owner Kurt Kelley has a direct connection with soccer.  Though he modestly discusses his success, Kelley fell in love with the game at the age of four and never looked back.  According to the facilities website, at 17 years old Kelley began his professional career playing soccer in Costa Rica's 2nd Division where he was the least scored on goalkeeper.  By 18, Kelley made his debut in Costa Rica's 1st Division where he played for one of the most prestigious club teams.  He remained there for nine seasons where he won two National Championships, one CONCACAF championship, was honored as goalkeeper of the week numerous times and was considered one of the best goalkeepers in CONCACAF.

An injury in 1999 caused him to stop playing, and Kelley made the decision to move to New York and put up a business.

"Soccer is the only thing I really know how to do," he jokes.

All levels are represented at KK Athletics, where Kelley makes sure to diversify his leagues by gender and age group.  Monday night is designated for women's leagues, while Tuesday through Thursday host men's leagues and children's parties.  Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until midday, Kelley focuses on children from one year of age through about four years old, inspiring them to follow in his path.

The five indoor turf fields give Kelley many options concerning how to use his space. 

"I try to bring in kids and schools during the day.  Sachem uses it if there is inclement weather during their games, as well," he said.  

It's this direct connection to the community that makes KK so popular. 

"If I see kids hanging out in the parking lot, I'll let them come in and play for a while," he said. "I want to get them off the street."

In addition to involving the community, KK has also improved the community.  Before opening the Farmingville location in November 2001, the huge building had been abandoned for years.  Along with the facility in Brentwood that he transformed in November of 2009, Kelley described the "eyesores" that they were to the neighborhood. 

"We redid about 90 percent of the place; tore off the roof, redid everything," he explained.  The result is a beautiful location where teams can come to play leagues or just have fun. 

In addition to league play, Kelley holds private and team training classes. 

"The youngest kid I have is about five and comes with his father.  I try to teach him coordination and basic skills."  These classes are also available for adults who can receive personal training from Kelley. 

There is no limit to the possibilities KK Athletics has to offer, and Kelley promises that there is more to come.  "I'm looking into a third location," he hints.

KK Athletics of Farmingville is located at 755 Horseblock Road in Farmingville and can be reached at (631) 736-2511.

If you have a business you'd like featured on Sachem Patch's Biz of the Week column, email editor Chris Vaccaro at Chris@Patch.com.