"If you build it, they will come." And in Lakewood Ranch, they don’t just come—they stay, they train, and they grow.
Welcome to Premier Sports Campus—a 140-acre epicenter of energy, competition, and community spirit. With 23 professional-grade fields, year-round programming, and everything from Saturday morning soccer to nationally recognized tournaments, this place is more than just grass and goals. It’s where Lakewood Ranch athletes of all ages come to push themselves, connect with others, and be part of something bigger.
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Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or lacing up your cleats, this complex is where lifelong memories—and local legends—are made.
Let’s dive into what makes Premier Sports Campus the heartbeat of sports in Lakewood Ranch.
What Is Premier Sports Campus?
Tucked into the heart of Lakewood Ranch, Premier Sports Campus (PSC) is a massive, multi-sport facility designed with intention. It’s a rare blend of professional-grade quality and community-first access.
Key Features:
- 23 full-size multi-use fields (soccer, football, lacrosse, rugby)
- 8 lighted fields for night games and tournaments
- On-site amenities: Restrooms, shaded seating, concessions, and parking
- Managed by Manatee County Parks and Natural Resources
It’s open. It’s active. It’s constantly buzzing with energy—especially on weekends.
Youth Leagues:
The Foundation of Local Sports
On any given Saturday morning, the fields at PSC are filled with the sounds of cleats on turf, whistles blowing, and parents shouting encouragement from the sidelines.
From pee-wee soccer to middle school lacrosse, youth sports take center stage here. The campus serves as home turf to programs like:
- Lakewood Ranch Chargers Soccer Club
- LWR Youth Rugby and Flag Football Clinics
- Local and regional lacrosse training groups
These programs emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership—and many kids grow up playing here season after season. It’s where athletic development meets character building.
How to Get Involved:
- For soccer: chargerssoccer.com
- For lacrosse and other field sports: Check the PSC calendar or local club Facebook pages
- Coaching or volunteering? Reach out to youth league coordinators—many need adult support
High-Level Tournaments:
Raising the Bar
What sets PSC apart from most community facilities? The level of competition it regularly attracts.
Throughout the year, the campus hosts:
- Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) soccer events
- NXT and Legends lacrosse tournaments
- USL Academy Cup matches
- College ID showcases and regional qualifiers
These tournaments bring high school and college-aged athletes from across the Southeast and beyond, offering young players a taste of next-level competition.
And the best part? You don’t need a ticket. Many events are free to watch and open to the public—so whether you're a coach, aspiring athlete, or just a curious neighbor, you can come see what top-tier youth sports look like up close.
Sarasota Paradise:
Your Hometown Soccer Team
Yes, Lakewood Ranch has its own semi-professional soccer team—and they play right here.
Sarasota Paradise, a USL League Two team, calls Premier Sports Campus home during their summer season. These matches are fast-paced, family-friendly, and offer a fun evening out for locals who love the game.
The stands are casual, the energy is high, and the players are often fresh off college seasons or aiming for the pros.
Game Day Vibes:
- Grab food from local vendors
- Bring your lawn chairs or blankets
- Join in on the chants and cheers—no experience necessary
To check schedules or buy tickets, visit sarasotaparadise.com.
A Day in the Life at PSC
Walk the sidelines on any tournament weekend or practice night, and you’ll see it all:
- Early-morning practices with dedicated coaches and half-asleep parents
- Teen teams doing warm-up drills with music bumping from portable speakers
- Pickup training sessions in open corners of the field
- Toddler siblings chasing soccer balls while older kids compete
It’s not just the athletes who show up. It’s the entire community.
There’s a real rhythm to life here—seasonal, energetic, and deeply woven into the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle.
What’s Next for Premier Sports Campus?
Great facilities don’t stand still—and PSC is no exception.
Here’s what’s in motion (or being discussed for the future):
- More shaded viewing areas for families and spectators
- Technology enhancements like game livestreams and real-time scoreboards
- Expanded field lighting to support later practices and games
- Ongoing collaboration with clubs to improve field rotation and access
If you’ve got feedback, the Parks and Natural Resources team is all ears. In fact, many of these improvements came from community suggestions.
Want to Get Involved?
Here’s how:
- Bring your kids to a match or scrimmage—expose them to the energy early
- Volunteer as a coach, team manager, or event helper
- Attend a Sarasota Paradise game and cheer on your local team
- Follow Premier Sports Campus on Facebook or Instagram for events and updates
From youth leagues to pro tournaments, Premier Sports Campus does more than host games—it builds a culture of activity, connection, and growth in Lakewood Ranch.
And if you haven’t experienced it for yourself? Maybe it’s time to change that.
Lace up, show up, and be part of something special.
