About 50 Orange County Parks and Recreation campers were the very first ones to try out the new $4 million soccer complex in Efland this week.

The Euro-Sports Soccer Center is located at 4701 West Ten Road and has six full-size soccer fields, complete with concession stands, picnic tables, and everything else needed for soccer.

Christopher Sousa, Orange County Parks and Recreation Athletics Superintendent, said the new fields are a drastic improvement from what they've used in the past. He said before the new soccer complex was open, there was only one useable field in the county which multiple sports had to share, creating a scheduling nightmare.

"The field looked like JFK airport, there were lines all over the field for different sizes and age groups that were playing on the field," said Sousa.

Campers remember another challenge, too.

"Trying not to trip over where baseball dirt was," said one camper.

But with the new soccer complex, they don't have to share with other sports anymore. Camp counselors are even noticing a difference in the players' attitudes.

"It's definitely changed the kids' perspectives of soccer and mentality and how much they want to pursue soccer," said Summer Warren, camp counselor.  

Lori Taft, Orange County Parks and Recreation Director, said the complex is meeting a huge need, as they're seeing more and more people sign up for soccer leagues each year.

"Finally there will be some relief," said Taft. "The flood gates will open."

Sousa said it's also an ideal facility to host regional tournaments, which would be a boost for the local economy.

"Teams come in, stay at hotels, eat at restaurants, and it brings in money for the community of Orange County," said Sousa.

The complex will officially open in August. Much of it was paid for with bonds and grants.