The U.S. Soccer Foundation and the New York/New Jersey Host Committee have launched the first of 26 planned mini-pitches as part of a broader effort to establish a local legacy ahead of the World Cup in the region.
The initiative is designed to expand access to safe, organized spaces for youth in underserved communities, with organizers positioning the project as a long-term investment beyond the tournament itself.
“For too many youth across the region, safe places to play and be active are often out of reach,†said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This mini-pitch isn’t just a safe place to play – it’s a chance for young people to build relationships and develop critical life skills.â€
According to organizers, the program aims to reach approximately 25,000 young people and train 1,000 coach-mentors who will help deliver community-based activities focused on physical activity and personal development.
Host Committee chief Alex Nasry said the project reflects a wider goal of using the World Cup as a catalyst for community engagement. “Bringing the World Cup to our region is about more than the matches,†he said. “These mini-pitches will give thousands of young people a safe, accessible place to play and inspire a lifelong connection to soccer.â€
Early usage data from similar installations suggests consistent demand. A study from NC State University found that comparable mini-pitches typically host around nine hours of organized programming and 43 hours of open play per week.
Additional mini-pitches are scheduled to open across New York and New Jersey in the coming months, supported by local partners as part of the region’s tournament-related infrastructure efforts.