Players wanting to improve their soccer skills in Northport this summer will have to find a new place to practice on.

At its meeting Monday night, the Northport Board of Education approved a request from superintendent Tyrus Wessell to seek bids to improve the school’s main soccer field off Third Street in Northport. Wessell said improvements include taking off existing top soil, putting in new sub soil, improving drainage for the field, and applying a new layer of grass.

“We’ll also have a new handicap-accessible path down to the field and an improved concession stand area, as well as water facilities for the field,” he said. Estimated costs for the work is $30,000.

Marshall Collins, Northport’s athletic director and boys’ soccer coach, said he is excited about getting a much improved playing field.

“The field has served us well for years. But there are holes and low spots all over the place and it cost me a couple of players with twisted ankles and other injuries,” he said.

Wessell said he should have a contractor ready to go by no later than early July. “We want to get the work going an done in time for the start of the boys’ soccer season this fall,” Wessell said.

As to which fall sports the school will be offering, at least at the varsity level, Wessell and Collins both said boys’ soccer is planned as well as girls’ volleyball. There should be a Cherryland Conference race for both sports since Northport, Traverse City Christian, Leelanau School and incoming league member Grand Traverse Academy will field teams in both sports.