Alex Morgan Foundation and Mission Valley YMCA Celebrate Opening of New Mini-Pitch

September 24, 2024

The Alex Morgan Foundation, in partnership with the YMCA of San Diego County and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, celebrated the grand opening of a new mini-pitch system at the Mission Valley YMCA on Monday. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to increase access to sports for young girls and boys in San Diego, providing a safe and vibrant space for children to play, grow, and develop through soccer and other activities.

The event featured a ceremonial “First Kick” by Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Alex Morgan, who was joined by 30 local girls for the inaugural game on the pitch. Representatives from the San Diego Wave Fútbol Club and the U.S. Soccer Foundation also attended, underscoring the collaborative effort to expand youth sports programming in the region.

“This mini-pitch is more than just a place to play soccer,” said Morgan. “It’s about creating opportunities for kids to get active, build confidence, and develop life skills. I’m thrilled to see this project come to life and can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on the community.”

The new mini-pitch at the Mission Valley YMCA will host a variety of sports programs, including soccer leagues for girls, youth basketball, and pickleball tournaments. The YMCA also plans to offer functional fitness boot camps and other activities that foster teamwork, leadership and resilience.

“This project aligns perfectly with our mission to increase access to soccer in underserved communities,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We are excited to partner with the Alex Morgan Foundation, Musco Lighting, and the YMCA to provide safe spaces where children can play and thrive. Together, we are building a brighter future for the next generation.”

Looking ahead, the Alex Morgan Foundation and the YMCA of San Diego County plan to expand their partnership to building a more empowered future in San Diego by developing additional programs that remove barriers to participation and ensure that all girls, regardless of their background, have access to the benefits of organized sports.

“The opening of this mini-pitch is just the beginning,” said Sarah Reese, Senior Vice President of the YMCA of San Diego County. “We are committed to working with the Alex Morgan Foundation to bring more opportunities like this to young girls throughout San Diego. This partnership is about more than just sports; it’s about creating spaces where our youth can feel supported, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.”

The grand opening concluded with a spirited game on the new pitch, as Morgan and YMCA Board Members cheered on the young athletes who showcased their skills in front of attendees. For more information, photos and a schedule of upcoming programs, please visit www.ymcasd.org.

ABOUT ALEX MORGAN FOUNDATION 

Alex Morgan Foundation was founded in 2023 to support girls and women as they build their own confident path forward in sports and in life. Dedicated to a more equitable and empowered future, the foundation invests in programs that target its core areas of impact: sports equity, opportunities for girls, and support for moms. Alex Morgan Foundation is a fiscally sponsored initiative under the umbrella of the Edward Charles Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, and raises funds through Alex’s community of partners, supporters, and grant funders.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

The YMCA of San Diego County is one of the largest Y associations in the nation, serving nearly 500,000 San Diego County residents and employing more than 5,500 people. Through a variety of programs and services focused on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y unites men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of the spirit, mind and body. Visit ymcasd.org to find your local YMCA or call (858) 292-YMCA (9622).

ABOUT U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.