Walk into the lobby of Southern Pines Elementary School and ask for directions to the school's football field.

You may get a few strange looks from the adults, but the children eagerly point to the back door, and tell you that it is up the hill behind the playground.

The confusion likely lies in the fact that as recently as last year the field was populated with rocks, sand, fire ants and other assorted insects.

"We just called it the field, because It didn't look like a football field when they started, now there is no question what it is," said Marcy Cooper, principal at Southern Pines Elementary.

The desolate field, which was once hosted football games back when the school was Southern Pines High School, has been renovated and revitalized thanks to the vision of Tom Van Camp and the hard work of numerous community volunteers.

"I kinda orchestrated it," Van Camp said. "But everybody else had to play the instruments and they have done a heckuva job. This has turned out to be more than I envisioned."

To get to the present, you have to go back in the past.

Last November Van Camp formered the Sandhills Patriots, a traveling football team of 11 and 12 year-olds. The goal was to expose local athletes to different players, teams and styles of play while focusing on teamwork and basic football skills.

"The whole idea was to take a team and play another team that wasn't from your school or wasn't from your neighborhood," said Van Camp. "We wanted to get out of our comfort zone and see a different level of football."

That first team, coached by Van Camp and known as the Sandhills Patriots, won the U12 weight restricted division of the North American Youth Football Championship in Charlotte last Thanksgiving.

That success helped the Patriots expand and earned them an invitation to play in a league based in Charlotte.

Now the Patriots field three teams -- a varsity (ages 12-13), a jayvee (10-11) and a prep (7-9). The three teams have 64 players combined -- 22 each on the older two teams and 20 on the other. Playing in the league meant the need for a home field. The problem was, many of the area fields were already booked for the season with a variety of sports in different leagues.

When searching for a field to call home, Van Camp didn't have to look too far -- it was just outside his backyard.

The field behind Southern Pines Elementary had been rented by the Sandhills Optimist Football League, Van Camp said.

"Their lease ran out and they decided there was no way they could get it ready for the season," Van Camp said. "We said we can do it."

The two sides and the school worked out an agreement and work began this spring.

Parents and players along with community volunteers have spent countless hours renovating the field. The ground was leveled and new turf was put down. Beachers, a working scoreboard, new goal posts and portable restrooms have all be added.

"We have about $15,000 in this field, but we probably would have $25,000 if we had to pay for all the things people are doing and what they have donated," Van Camp said. "Nobody ever asks questions they just do it."

For the parents and volunteers, the work is all for the children.

"We've spent hour after hour out here," said Billy Good. "Its so many we can't count them all because its for the children."

Good helps coach the jayvee team on which his son, Keegan, plays.

The players have also chipped in. Team work days have meant the players have contributed plenty of hours of work too.

"This is awesome, said Malik Newsome, a player of the varsity team. "It is something that other teams don't have and it gives us a chance to be seen and be noticed."

Hunter Burns, a player on jayvee team, echoed those statements, calling the field an inspiration.

"It is something we helped create and I feel more comfortable playing on this field -- our field," he said.

The three Patriot teams played their first game on the field Saturday. On the season the teams are a combined 10-2 on the year. At the conclusion of the league season the team will playing in several tournaments.

Many in the community have praised the project -- including Pinecrest head football coach Chris Metzger.

"It is another sign of county togetherness giving kids opportunities," the third year head coach said. "As a parent and as a coach I think what everyone has done is just awesome."

During the week, students from Southern Pines Elementary will use the field for gym classes and other outdoor activities.

Cooper called the project a win for all involved and said the field has given the school faculty and students a new sense of pride.

"Students, teachers -- everybody is very excited to have a place to run around and exercise. It is just great."

Cooper has visited the field on a regular basis to watch the work progress. She said she has been impressed with how Van Camp's vision has become a reality thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and community members who donated, their time, materials and expertise. Now, she can't wait to show her support in a unique way.

"I plan to be out there Saturday and throughout the season cheering them on, Cooper said. "showing that we as a school and a community are appreciative of all their hard work."

Contact Tom Embrey at 693-2477 or by e-mail at tembrey@thepilot.com.