Mike Stone, who died July 16, 2016 served with distinction on numerous boards and projects. Among his most significant accomplishments was his tireless dedication to coaching youth soccer. In 1999 he almost single-handedly built Lake County Soccer League, now known as Lake County Soccer Club, and the Hickory Point Soccer Complex to the level at which they operate today. Mike spent thousands of hou
rs coaching, maintaining the fields, refereeing and seeking donations and grants to ensure a quality program and playing fields for local youth. For the past 15 years he ran the Hickory Point Soccer Invitational which is the largest high school tournament in Florida. Mike put in countless hours seeking sponsors, making up schedules, arranging accommodations and maintaining the fields. The Lake County Soccer Club Board of Directors felt it was only fitting to rename the park in Mike's honor. This complex has six pads, five with lighting and kept at pristine conditions. The complex is owned by Lake County Water Authority and operated by Lake County Soccer Club. The Fields are used for local soccer tournaments, but can be rented for tournaments of all kinds including soccer, lacrosse, rugby, flag football and even Ultimate Frisbee. The park can accommodate groups from a few dozen to hundreds with ample parking for everyone. A concession stand, restrooms and a picnic pavilion for families also are located on-site.
