Former USMNT Star Opens New Soccer Mini-Pitch in Yonkers

Yonkers, NY – Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard, Target, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the City of Yonkers officially opened a new mini-pitch at Pelton Park on Wednesday with students from the local Boys & Girls Club. Participants celebrated the opening of the new mini-pitch by playing in an inaugural scrimmage on the pitch. Tim served as a guest coach and participants and their families also had the opportunity to learn new soccer moves from professional soccer freestyler Frankie FLO.

The mini-pitch opening also marked the launch of the Tim Howard Foundation, which provide resources, experiences and opportunities for children facing challenges in their families or communities, as well as those with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders, that foster confidence and lifelong personal growth.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tim and his new Foundation to open this mini-pitch in Yonkers,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This new mini-pitch ensures that more children have safe places to play and access to soccer programs that support their health and wellbeing. Our collaboration with Tim shows how athletes can use soccer as a vehicle to have continued positive impact in communities beyond their professional playing careers.”

“Working with the Tim Howard Foundation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target is a great example of the good that comes from public-private partnerships,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Tim Howard is a born leader who understands the importance of providing greater opportunities to our young people so they can grow and flourish – we are proud that Yonkers is home to his foundation’s first mini-pitch. We couldn’t be more excited to transform this underutilized area at Pelton Park into a recreational space for our residents to enjoy.”

The mini-pitch project was made possible through funding from the Tim Howard Foundation and Target and builds on more than 100 mini-pitches the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target have installed together since 2018. In another exciting development, Target is set to open its first store in Yonkers, New York’s third largest city.

This mini-pitch marks the latest development in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game national movement to ensure children in underserved communities can enjoy the health and youth development benefits of the game. To date, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed more than 500 mini-pitches nationwide. The goal is to install 1,000 by 2026.

Download photos from the event:

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofyonkers/ (Please credit City of Yonkers.)
• https://www.dropbox.com/sh/45m6avy6d2v1iau/AAAYLCYQrcKoWSvJXzPwwk1Ia?dl=0 (Please credit U.S. Soccer Foundation.)

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ABOUT THE TIM HOWARD FOUNDATION
The Tim Howard Foundation was founded in 2021 by former professional goalkeeper turned TV analyst, Tim Howard. Tim’s motto has always been “Dream Big” and his hope with his foundation is to encourage children to do the same. The foundation’s mission is to provide resources, experiences and opportunities for children facing challenges in their families or communities, as well as those with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders, that foster confidence and lifelong personal growth. The foundation is thrilled to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build their first mini-pitch in Yonkers, NY. For more information, please visit www.timhowardfoundation.org or follow us on Instagram.

ABOUT THE U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Jennifer Arnold, U.S. Soccer Foundation
jarnold@ussoccerfoundation.org
202.872.6662

Amber Oliveira
amberoliveira@gmail.com
559.707.4665

Christina Gilmartin, City of Yonkers
christina.gilmartin@yonkersny.gov
914.377.6208 (City Hall); 914.512.4017 (Cell)