Plans for the laying of a brick pathway leading to the Shelbyville Central High School soccer field are back on again.

The progress of the project was delayed due to the construction at the school, but the Shelbyville Soccer Supporters (SSS), a group of soccer parents and friends from the community, are ready to get the project completed.

The delay offers the community an extended time frame to still purchase bricks. The SSS are selling bricks to honor children, friends, family members, loved ones, or businesses. Individual 4x8 inch bricks can be purchased for $50, while larger 8x8 inch bricks cost $150. All of the proceeds from the sale of bricks for the paver project will go towards soccer field upgrades.

The 4x8 brick can contain up to three lines with as many as 14 characters per line. The larger 8x8 brick can contain as many as six lines of writing. Businesses and civic organizations are encouraged to purchase the larger bricks for advertisement purposes and to show their support of the SCHS soccer teams. Business logos can be added to the larger bricks for an additional fee. The deadline for the sale of the bricks is March 31.

SCHS soccer coach Neal Gordon says the goal was to sell at least 2,000 bricks with names and sentiments engraved on them that will lead the way from the parking lot into the school's soccer field.

"We've needed to upgrade our facilities at the soccer field for years," Gordon said. "We want to give students the opportunity to have a permanent marker and a memory with the soccer field. I've heard from people I've not heard from in years who want to buy a brick and be a part of this project."

Playing soccer on the SCHS teams or local teams has made a huge impact on the lives of countless young people. Former SCHS soccer player Wyatt Burk said it would be impossible to name everything that the game of soccer has taught him.

"One of the most important life-lessons that I've learned from soccer is perseverance," Burk said. "The game of soccer is played in 90 minutes, split into 45 minute halves. No breaks. No time outs. Just a continuous mode of play. I remember as a player during a game feeling like I couldn't run any further, longing for a break. However, I knew that if any one of us let up, it could be the difference between victory and defeat. As a result, we would press on, not letting up until the final whistle blew. Whether we won or lost, we knew that we had persevered to the end.

"I believe it's important to invest in the soccer program at SCHS. Ensuring that our athletes have the opportunity to improve their skills, and most importantly, mature into responsible young adults, is not only important, it is paramount."

The ground is ready for the completion of the brick walkway, and proceeds from the sale of the bricks will help this year to purchase bleachers for the sidelines. The next project will be a concession stand and restrooms.

Gordon has been the boys soccer coach at SCHS for the last 16 years. This is his 12th year coaching the girls team.

"We're in the process of developing and producing good people here at Central and on our soccer teams," Gordon said. "We may not produce any pro soccer players, but we are producing good people."

Gordon not only coaches soccer teams at SCHS but teaches chemistry and coaches recreation league soccer teams in addition to holding a soccer camp in the summer.

"I was never a soccer player before I started coaching," Gordon said. "But I certainly have developed a love for the game over the years. We want it to be a good thing for the children. Making these upgrades to our fields will make a big difference for everyone involved too."

The current officers of the SSS in charge of the fundraising are: Mary Pitner, president; Joe Warren, vice-president; Kanya Gordon, secretary; and Edwina Reynolds, treasurer.

Persons interested in purchasing a brick can go online at www.bedfordk12tn.com and print a form; pick up a form in the office at SCHS or at the local Verizon Wireless retail store; contact any of the SSS members; or call (931) 580-7527 for more information.