For decades, Beaufort County has been without a facility equipped to hold indoor team practices and training sessions. Whether it’s local high school baseball teams, club soccer teams or simply a pickup volleyball league, traditionally, players in this area have traveled to Greenville to take advantage of indoor sports facilities.

In the coming months, that will no longer be the case. Traveling 25 miles down Route 264 will no longer be necessary.

Athletic Edge Sports and Fitness Center opened half of its 21,500 square-foot warehouse on May 8, giving Beaufort County its first full indoor athletic facility.

While the owner Brad Horton’s intent is, in fact, to make money, his business also doubles as a public service.

Now, high schools like Washington, Northside and Southside have a place to hold practice on a rainy day. And in about a month, residents will be able to work out in a state-of-the-art gym with on-site trainers.

Horton’s business, located on corner of Fifth and Berry streets, could potentially change the landscape of Beaufort County’s high school, club and recreation programs across all sports.

Programs like Athletic Edge’s indoor volleyball and soccer leagues are already forming, offering kids an alternative to traditional indoor activities offered exclusively in Greenville.

According to Horton, Athletic Edge is already drawing interest from people as far as Williamston and Swan Quarter. By garnering attention and bringing people in, other businesses in the area will also benefit financially.

It’s a home for sports lovers in a county where everyone seems to know each other, where Beaufort County teams can associate with one another rather than with our larger neighbor.

It’s a win-win for parents and students and the local economy in general.