The school board approved the partnership with the Carmel Dad’s Club during the Nov. 26 meeting. During the Aug. 26 school board meeting, the Carmel Dad’s Club submitted a letter of intent to collaborate with the school board on the development of practice fields at this school. According to Roger McMichael, assistant superintendent of business affairs, the estimated value of the offer is $700,000.

There will be two practice fields, both with artificial turf. The cost of the turf installation will be split between the Carmel Dad’s Club and Carmel Clay Schools.

“I believe it will be very good for the school community as well as the community at large,” McMichael said at the last school board meeting.

Senior Austin Skwarcan, who has played Carmel Dad’s Club soccer for 12 years, said he is looking forward to playing on the new fields. “Overall it will be a great experience for those who haven’t played on any field besides grass,” Skwarcan said. “It might expand the Carmel Dad’s Club operation from just the Shelbourne fields and provide some variation between the kind of playing experience for veteran players and amateur players.