UWM Welcomes Community Programs to Newly Renovated Sports Complex
State-of-the-art renovations complete for athletic and recreational needs
Pontiac, October 27, 2021 – United Wholesale Mortgage, (UWM), the #1 wholesale and purchase lender in America, and certified best place to work in Michigan, today announced the completion of the UWM Sports Complex renovations, creating a diversified space for youth to participate in league sports and recreational activities.
After nearly five months of renovations, the UWM Sports Complex now houses a state-of-the-art athletic facility, which holds 8 full basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, and an indoor track, which runs around perimeter of the newly renovated space. In addition, the complex is still equipped with one full-sized indoor soccer field, an 8v8 indoor soccer field and one outdoor soccer field.
“Opening this athletic facility to our community is going to create a safe, barrier-free environment for kids to participate in recreational activities and sports,” said Mat Ishbia, president and CEO of UWM. “Sports have played such an important role in my life and I want to make it possible for youth in our community to have access to the same opportunities to learn about the importance of team, work ethic and positive attitude, all while having fun.”
UWM is working hand-in-hand with ReImagine Recreation to identify the needs of the local community. The goal is to ensure those who may be facing cost and transportation barriers are able to access the facility. By collaborating with local community groups, the complex is able to host a variety of sports leagues and programs, to local youth in Pontiac, Oakland County and beyond, with transportation included and costs covered for those who need it.
“For many, the costs associated with using a state-of the-art athletic facility like this would seem out of reach," said Steve Sack, owner of ReImagine Recreation. “We're humbled at the opportunity to work with UWM on the mission of removing barriers and granting access to those who need it most.”
UWM and ReImagine Recreation continue to build partnerships with a variety of community groups to commence after-school programs, which involve athletic and non-athletic programs. This includes tutoring, literacy programs, arts and crafts, along with a variety of sports activities including basketball, soccer and volleyball, among others.
The Pontiac Community Foundation is also partnering with UWM and ReImagine Recreation and is leading the charge in solving the transportation barrier of getting youth to and from the complex for all programs offered.
"We’re excited to partner with UWM and Reimagine Recreation to support local community organizations that can take advantage of this amazing facility,” said Dustin McClellan, founder and CEO of Pontiac Community Foundation. "Transportation has been a long-standing barrier, inhibiting children and families from regularly accessing facilities like this one. Through our collaborative efforts we hope to eliminate that barrier.”
The space will also be used to host pay-to-play leagues, but the main emphasis will remain on no-cost opportunities for the local community. Members of the community who are interested in field time must put in a request with the facility by calling (248) 515-7362.
Purchased by UWM in November 2020, the 15.8-acre, 378,400 square-foot facility also houses a newly renovated, state-of-the-art training facility for UWM team members and two indoor soccer fields. Previously, one of the soccer fields was utilized for a mass COVID-19 vaccination site.
For any questions regarding current and upcoming soccer leagues, or to contact ReImagine Recreation, please email Steve Sack at steve@reimaginerec.com.