Selma approves facility-use agreement with Johnston County Football Club, requires volunteer background checks

The Selma Recreation Advisory Board approved a facilities-use agreement March 19 with the Johnston County Football Club that allows the club to use municipal soccer fields, classroom space and a library room at no rental cost in exchange for providing limited coaching and volunteer support. The board added a requirement that all volunteers and coaches be disclosed to the town and complete the town’s volunteer background-check and approval process prior to participating.

Staff said the agreement was reviewed by town counsel and is structured as a one-year renewable contract intended to help the town build a pipeline of players and volunteers while expanding program offerings. Under the agreement, the football club will provide at least two volunteers to support skill development sessions (two practices per week noted in revised language) and will coordinate outreach to local schools, though the contract language referenced “including but not limited to” a list of local schools.

Board members sought clarity about what facilities were included (the club’s request specified the soccer fields, classroom space and library room; locker rooms were excluded) and pressed staff to ensure the town’s youth programs take scheduling priority. Staff said the town has additional facility options and will manage scheduling to avoid displacing existing town programs.

A motion to approve the facility-use agreement with the added volunteer-disclosure and background-check requirement passed on a voice vote. Board members said the arrangement is intended to grow youth opportunities while keeping town-run programming available and protected.