Transforming Communities Through Soccer 'Mini-Pitches'

Have you heard of a "mini-pitch"?  Essentially, it is a small, customized, hard court that is created for organized soccer programs and pick-up games. As reported by the Antelope Valley Press,  the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target created a new mini-pitch at El Dorado Park in the city of Lancaster in northern Los Angeles County earlier this year. This project is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places To Play program which seeks to transform underutilized areas into state-of-the-art pitches and create safe soccer play spaces that all community residents can use. 

Target pledged $6 million to create 100 mini-pitches in communities across the country by the end of 2020, with Lancaster selected as one of the recipients. Target and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have set an even more ambitious goal of installing 1,000 mini-pitches by 2026.

Each mini-pitch installation typically includes:

• A brightly colored court that transforms the look and feel of the location where it is built, whether it be a park or a school.
• Lighting which extends the number of hours kids and adults can play in a day.
• ADA-accessible gates and hard-court surface which allows for everyone to be able to play on the pitch.
• Lockable storage, benches, and other enhancements which provide convenience to players and spectators.

According to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, mini-pitches have positively impacted communities.  Surveys conducted after installation of mini-pitches indicate that:

• 98% say that people in the community are more active.
• 98% say that the community feels safer.
• 93% say that mini-pitches serve as community gathering places.

To find a mini-pitch near you, check out this locator tool.