AUBURN, Ind. (WOWO): The DeKalb County YMCA’s expansion project will be getting a big boost from the state’s Regional Cities Initiative.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced this morning they’ve approved $947,000 in state funding toward the YMCA’s plans to develop 38 acres of land north of its current facility in Auburn, including the establishment of the Northeast Indiana Regional Youth Development Complex.

That includes seven collegiate-sized soccer fields, two football fields and a training area.

The complete project, which will cost a little more than $7.2-million, also includes adding a new indoor pool and outdoor splash pad and playground to the current facility’s field house.

“This youth development complex will not only be a regional draw for athletes from the tri-state area, but it will focus on developing character qualities in youth and building healthier, happier families, making Northeast Indiana an even better place to live,” said Bob Krafft, chief executive officer of YMCA of DeKalb County.