Blast FC Levels Up With Help From AEP Ohio
When a community comes together after a storm, the impact can last long after power is restored.
Blast FC — the longest running youth soccer club in Central Ohio — reached out to AEP Ohio this year with an unusual request. The club had recently built a turf field and needed utility poles to install permanent lighting. Buying new poles, however, was proving costly for a non-utility organization, largely due to shipping and transportation expenses.
At the same time, a severe storm from March 2024 that included tornado damage in the club’s hometown of Delaware, Ohio, was still fresh in everyone’s memory. Transmission lines located on the club’s property were damaged in the storm, and while power was restored quickly, permanent repairs took several months to complete. Blast FC worked closely with AEP Ohio crews during that time, shifting practices and games to other locations so field personnel could safely access the area.
That cooperation made a lasting impression.
Thanks to the efforts of AEP Ohio’s operations and customer experience teams, the company is donating six gently used utility poles to Blast FC to support lighting for the new field. Installation is expected soon.
“Blast FC went above and beyond to accommodate our crews after the tornado, and that kind of partnership matters,” said Eric Miller, distribution dispatching manager for AEP Ohio. “When the opportunity came up to help them, it was the right thing to do. This is what being a good neighbor looks like.”
Founded in 1986, Blast FC serves 200 coed athletes ages 8 to 19 from across Delaware and the surrounding areas. The private club’s fields are also available to rent, making the new turf complex a valuable community resource.
“We really want to maximize the amount of time the whole community has to play soccer on this awesome new field, and lights are a key part of that plan,” said Nicole Downing, a co-director of Blast FC. “The lights open up extra hours for kids to learn to love the game of soccer. Thanks to AEP Ohio and Eric Miller for making this possible.”
For Angie Rybalt, director of customer experience at AEP Ohio, the project reflects something bigger than equipment or infrastructure.
“Our customer-first mindset goes beyond keeping the lights on — it’s about building relationships,” Rybalt said. “Blast FC supported our crews when it mattered most, and we’re proud to support them in return. This is about community, collaboration and doing what we can to make a positive difference.”
Once the poles are in place, Blast FC’s field will be able to host evening practices and games — creating more opportunities for kids to play, families to connect and the community to gather.
For AEP Ohio, keeping the lights on and restoring electricity after a storm are just part of what it means to power the community. In this case, it means helping light the field for local youth.
