TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Three years ago, Charlie Ward Champions Ranch was an idea. Thursday in Tallahassee, the idea became reality, as the first multi-sport field was debuted. <\/p>\n
The sound of little voices filling the athletic fields at Champions Ranch is what Tonja and Charlie Ward have been waiting for.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is exactly what we have been praying for and dreaming about,\u201d said Tonja.<\/p>\n
Less than one year ago, a groundbreaking was held on the 100 acre-plus site, and ten months later, was a ribbon cutting for the Ranch\u2019s first multi-sport field.<\/p>\n
\u201cThree years ago was the vision we were sharing with others,\u201d said Charlie. \u201cThere was some that saw the vision and were willing to jump on the train with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou hear these wonderful plans and people paint their vision, but it\u2019s amazing always to see that coming from spoken words to a rendering on a piece of paper, and to be out here today and see what we\u2019re seeing,\u201d said Antonio Jefferson, chairman of the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend.<\/p>\n
The Ranch is a one stop shop not just for athletics, but for education, wellness, performing arts and life skills. Building lifelong champions is the goal, and over time, there is much more to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore buildings. Indoor court space, indoor turf space, retreating space, overnight camping space,\u201d said Tonja. \u201cJust growth. We want to see more and more of it developed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou want to be able to leave something that\u2019s long lasting,\u201d added Charlie. \u201cYou get your jersey retired, that\u2019s long lasting, you win a Heisman, do these different things, that\u2019s long lasting and people remember that. This is another phase of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
An impact for little voices, for years to come. Champions Ranch is set to partner with over 30 organizations. The Boys and Girl Club of the Big Bend will have a campus on the Ranch, extending the reach to area youth and their families.<\/p>\n
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n