The feds have come up with almost $750,000 to help keep North Okanagan residents active.

On Thursday, Liberal MP Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, was in Vernon to announce the funding that will be used for a several sporting venues.

The Vantage One Indoor Soccer Centre will receive $150,000 to replace the aging and worn artificial turf, and that is good news for soccer fans.

Kai Tolpinrud, Vernon Soccer Association GM, said the indoor facility gives athletes a chance to train year round.

“This is critical to the soccer-playing community. We're able to train outdoors five to six months a year which is just not sufficient for kids that are trying to develop their games and move on to higher levels of soccer,” said Tolpinrud.

Bob Fleming, regional district chairperson, said the facility is heavily used and without the federal funding replacing the artificial turf would be “several years away.

“The condition of the field has been going downhill and it's in real need of replacement.”

Qualtrough also announced the Okanagan Indian Band would receive just over $47,000 to renovate parts of Komasket Park and build a 1.2-kilometre fitness path.

Vernon’s Centennial Outdoor Rink will be getting $80,000 for upgrades, but the lion's share of the money went to the Okanagan Rail Trail with a grant of $471,500.