16
hOme OF indOOr
M
aryland sports arena, having just
celebrated its 25
th
anniversary, is the
oldest privately-owned, soccer-only facility in
Maryland.
The only game they play is arena soccer–with
boards—the same version the professionals
play–not futsal or an outdoor hybrid.
Long-time owner ron szczybor makes no bones
about his feelings. "We're big fans of true
indoor soccer–with the dasher boards. We
think it's a better game for the kids. I think
most kids would rather play this game."
Maryland Sports Arena has one field of
professional dimensions, so that when
kids play, they can truly feel like stars—just
like the Baltimore Blast that long practiced
there.
When the facility opened in the late 1980s,
"indoor soccer" was new. However, the
Baltimore community quickly became familiar
with it, and the Baltimore Blast grew up
along the way, as did the team's and sport's
following.
"Once coaches saw the game, they realized
how exciting it was and how much fun it would
be for the kids," says Ron.
The community has always responded well to
indoor soccer.
