We are learning more about the future of soccer in Rochester.

Dozens of youngsters are playing soccer at Troup Street Park in the city and now the brand new soccer field is officially open. Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and other dignitaries say it’s part of the effort to invest in children and in neighborhoods.

One neighbor who’s lived across the street from the park for almost 30 years is Beatrice Bradley. 

"I enjoy watching the kids play, it’s beautiful," she said. 

"We are investing in play," said Warren who hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the field. The mayor also addressed more about her vision for the future of the soccer stadium vacated by the Rhinos and the sports complex right next door.

"Our plan is to do everything that we can to make that a premiere youth facility," Warren added.

What’s slated is a $2 million dollar commitment to make immediate improvements to the Smith Street facility. There is an active effort to obtain more funding from the state and from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation for support.

Plans include a year-round sports training facility with a multi-purpose court, batting cages, a turf field, a weight room, locker rooms. There's also discussion of adding a dome to the stadium following renovations.

"We’re investing in youth sports," Warren said. "The future of the stadium is truly about investing in youth sports and that’s across the board – giving our young people access to opportunities that our suburban counter parts have."

City councilmember Molly Clifford says the council is heading in the direction of supporting a “measured approach to investment into the stadium and sports complex project."

Hamadi Muya lives in the neighborhood and coaches kids at the Troup Street Park. 

"This is more than just soccer, taking the kids out of the streets is the main goal," he said.