As organizers continue to revive the Crusaders Youth Football program here in Hicksville, they will invariably need the help of local government officials in order to succeed.

Until now, the Crusaders were given little or no attention from officials who were skeptical toward the program's staying power within the community. Meanwhile, with the tremendous response the league has received along with an already large influx of children registering for next season, the organization was undergoing the problem of finding an adequate fielding facility for its players.

However, in an astonishing change of events, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto has committed himself to the Crusader's cause, agreeing to build a lighted practice complex next to Goldman Brothers on Broadway in Hicksville. The land was originally scheduled to be used for a senior living complex, but was deemed non-profitable by investment builders when they weren't granted permission to build a fifth level on the structure.

With plans already in motion to build a new community center directly across the street, many townspeople view this venture as a "no-brainer."

"It's something that's long overdue here in Hicksville," said longtime youth sponsor Harry Single. "If the police patrol the site regularly, and they hold residents accountable for the area, it will be a great addition to the town."

Many feel that the project could lead to the revitalization of businesses in the area, allowing residents to once again leisurely stroll down Broadway as they patronize various stores.

Venditto, always an avid supporter of youth programs, expressed a sincere desire to help in the development of the field. "I have kids of my own and I know the value of organized sports and their importance within the towns of Oyster Bay," he said. "I remember coaching teams myself because I wanted to get involved with the process. It gives kids an alternative where they can get involved with something that is productive and meaningful in their lives."

Originally, there was speculation that the targeted land may have been contaminated with hazardous substances, but Deputy Town Parks Commissioner Rob Walker has since refuted such allegations. "We have done a stage 2 evaluation of the property and there is nothing wrong with the area," said Walker, who is a strong advocate for the Crusader's movement. "We expect to start the project when the weather becomes milder, perhaps in April."

While other towns who support youth football have always had lighted town parks within their midst, Hicksville has never been afforded such a luxury. Although nearby Cantiague Park is equipped with lights, it is run by Nassau County which demands expensive fees for the use of its field. When county officials were informed of the hardships the fees would bring to the club, a waiver of such costs was not offered to the organization.

As a result, Crusader President Kim Torrellas is hoping the new field will be completed as soon as possible, particularly since daylight becomes scarce at the start of the football season. "With the addition of five new teams it is imperative for us to have lights in order to have any meaningful practices in the fall," said Torrellas.

Although faced with the possibility of incurring the cost of Cantiague Park this season, Crusader officials are encouraged that a lighted field is finally being built in Hicksville and have praised Venditto's involvement in the matter.

"Supervisor Venditto's response to our problem has been outstanding so far," said Torrellas. "He is one of the few politicians who really cares about what's going on here and we are ecstatic about everything that has transpired in the last two months."

The field is expected to mesh well within Hicksville as various other youth organizations stand to benefit from the project. The Hicksville Soccer Club, along with the newly developed girls lacrosse team, will also utilize the much needed field. "This is good for all of the kids who play sports in this town," said Torrellas. "I guess you could call it Hicksville's very own "field of dreams."

Anyone interested in signing their child up for football or any businesses looking to be a sponsor should call Mike Torrellas at 822-1289.