Austin Bolyard, a physical education teacher at Global Prep and long-time supporter of Indiana Futsal, saw the passion that his students had for the sport and wanted to create a designated space for the kids to play. He pitched his idea to IU Health, who agreed to partner with Indiana Futsal to complete the project.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last Friday, where officials from Indiana Futsal, IU Health and Mayor Joe Hogsett’s Office spoke about the importance of providing athletic outlets for Indiana youth. Mariama Carson, founder and principal of Global Prep, addressed the students who were eagerly awaiting the court’s opening, emphasizing the long-lasting implications of this community project.

“When you come back here as an eighth grader, a high schooler, a college student - I want you to remember the day that we came together and celebrated this new court. It will be here for years to come,” Carson enthused. Following the opening ceremony, some of the school’s fiercest futsal competitors played the inaugural match with a large crowd of their classmates cheering from the sidelines.

As an organization that emphasizes community outreach and cooperation, Indiana Futsal worked with several organizations to bring futsal programming to Global Prep. The goals for the court were produced at Ruckus Makerspace by the Latina Welding Guild. As part of the company’s Day of Service, more than 50 IU Health employees came together to paint the space with Global Prep’s vibrant green and blue school colors. Emily and Paul Pelsue, members of the Indiana Futsal team, put the finishing details on the court.

The Global Prep court is the first in a series to be built in a partnership between IPS and Indiana Futsal. The next court will be built at Enlace Academy and is scheduled to be completed next month.