Scout Plans to Build Soccer Wall at Grist Mill Park

As a former soccer player himself, Ben Smith is keenly aware of how important practice is.

On Sept. 19, the Lower Saucon Township teen told Hellertown Borough Council that he'd like to help young soccer players train by building a "soccer ball wall" for them to use at .

Many soccer practices and games are held at the creekside borough park, which includes numerous playing fields.

Smith said the local youth soccer league has wanted a ball wall "for some time now," and explained that he would build it in order to complete a requirement for earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

All of the work on the wall will be completed by volunteers, and the needed materials will be paid for by the league and through donations.

The wall will be similar to a handball wall, will be made of plywood, and will be located on the north side of Walnut Street, parallel to the Saucon Creek, Smith said.

Council Vice President John Bate asked if the wall might be vulnerable to flooding in that location, but he was assured that the site that's been selected is above the area that regularly floods.

Once it's built, the league plans to maintain the ball wall, Smith said.

He hopes to being work on the project "before winter," he added.

Council members expressed support for the project.