The Boston Host City organizing committee (Boston 26) for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have agreed in principle to build up to 20 new mini-pitches in the New England region leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Funds for the mini-pitch project will come from Boston 26 Host City Supporters and Donors who will also play a crucial role in raising the funds necessary to plan and execute the seven matches awarded to Boston, including a 39-day window of celebratory events across the region, and other meaningful impact programs that will have a long-lasting effect on surrounding communities. A foundation that has previously supported the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s efforts, including mini-pitches, has agreed to match funding anonymously to support the creation of the 20 mini-pitches.
“For more than 30 years, as the legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup™, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has been focused on advancing soccer as a vehicle for social impact in under-resourced communities, including creating safe places for youth and families to play,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We are thrilled to team up with Boston 26 to create mini-pitches across the region in the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and provide more places for children to play in the neighborhoods where they live and go to school.” He added, “Together, we’ll use our game to improve the health and well-being of youth and strengthen communities, creating a legacy for this tournament that will benefit generations to come.”
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s mini-pitches are part of the organization’s Safe Places to Play program, which transforms and revitalizes under-served areas into state-of-the-art places to play soccer. Mini-pitches improve safety perceptions, encourage physical activity, and have been shown to strengthen communities.
“We’re extremely proud to team up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and our matching fund partners on this mini-pitch initiative that will continue to build upon the legacy of the FIFA World Cup in our local communities and neighborhoods,” said Alex Klosterkemper, Chief Impact Officer for Boston 26. “As a FIFA World Cup™ Host City, we have a tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive economic, environmental and social impact for our region.” He added, “Sport, and soccer in particular, has the power to unite, energize and create a passionate following that we want to harness for positive change. The mini-pitch project is the start of a holistic program to leave a positive impact for our region leading up to 2026 and beyond.”
Boston 26 established a Sport for Impact Working Group with several locally-based organizations to ensure the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting the FIFA World Cup™ in Boston benefits all communities. The organizations include Adaptive Sports New England, Boston Scores, Soccer Unity Project, Soccer Without Borders, Boston Unity Soccer Partners, Common Goal, New England Revolution, The City of Boston, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Special Olympics Massachusetts, Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, among others.