Public-private partnership will complete 50 mini-pitches and expand proven soccer programs at schools by the end of 2026.
MIAMI, FL (April 1, 2026) – Today, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Griffin Catalyst, The Children’s Trust, the Miami World Cup 2026™ Host Committee, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools opened a new mini-pitch at Oak Grove Elementary in Northeast Miami-Dade. The new mini-pitch is one of 25 coming to Miami-Dade County Public Schools as part of the Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative and will dramatically expand access to safe places to play and youth soccer programming that is often costly and inaccessible in under-resourced communities.
The Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative is a countywide public-private partnership launched in 2023 by the U.S. Soccer Foundation alongside Griffin Catalyst, the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, and The Children’s Trust, a dedicated source of revenue supported by ad valorem property taxes. The initiative aims to create 50 mini-pitches across schools, city facilities, and community-based organizations in under-resourced communities across the county and expand access to the Foundation’s proven programs through soccer by the end of 2026, ultimately improving health, well-being, and opportunities for thousands of local youth. These efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure FIFA World Cup 26™ leaves a legacy for Miami-Dade families and youth for years to come.
“These mini-pitches represent far more than new places to play. They represent opportunity,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “For many youth in Miami-Dade, safe places to be active and engaged are too often out of reach. By bringing high-quality play spaces and proven programming directly into schools and communities, we are helping ensure every child has the chance to experience the joy, connection, and possibility that soccer can bring.”
“Team sports teach young people in our country the life skills they need to succeed and prosper,” Griffin said. “It’s a gift everyone should have—and we want to bring the gift of soccer to as many children as possible.”
“Building on our strong partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Griffin Catalyst, The Children’s Trust helped connect the Foundation with community-based organizations and municipalities we knew would greatly benefit from a free soccer pitch and high-quality youth programming across Miami-Dade,” said James R. Haj, President & CEO of The Children’s Trust. “With public schools now receiving pitches and programming as well, our school-based after-school and summer camp programs will be able to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
“At Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we are committed to expanding access to enriching experiences for every child. The creation of these mini‑pitches marks a major step toward that goal,” added Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jose L. Dotres. “By bringing world‑class soccer programming directly to our schools, this partnership is helping level the playing field for students and creating new pathways for learning, choice, and success.”
“Soccer has the power to unite, inspire, and create opportunity, and this initiative reflects exactly the kind of legacy we want the FIFA World Cup 2026™ to leave in Miami-Dade,” said Alina T. Hudak, President & CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee. “As we prepare to welcome the world, we are also investing at home, expanding access to safe spaces and programming that will positively impact thousands of local youth for years to come.”
Researchers at NC State found that more than 6.5 million young people live within a 10-minute walk from a U.S. Soccer Foundation mini-pitch and that, on average, each mini-pitch hosts nine hours of programming and 43 hours of open play per week. See a map of mini-pitch locations here.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is leading nationwide efforts to ensure that the 2026 tournament benefits youth and families across the nation for generations to come. Together with its partners, the Foundation has installed more than 850 mini-pitches nationwide, with the goal to install a total of 1,000 by the end of 2026. Last year, the U.S. Soccer Foundation engaged 1.2 million youth in its programs proven to improve the health and well-being of participants, including more than 36,000 youth in the Miami-Dade area.
Download photo selects from the event here.
Download b-roll and sound bites from the event here.
About the 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 LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Griffin Catalyst
Griffin Catalyst is the civic engagement initiative of Citadel founder and CEO Ken Griffin, encompassing his philanthropic and community impact efforts. Tackling the world’s greatest challenges in innovative, action-oriented, and evidence-driven ways, Griffin Catalyst is dedicated to expanding opportunity and improving lives across six areas of focus: Education, Science & Medicine, Upward Mobility, Freedom & Democracy, Enterprise & Innovation, and Communities. For more information, visit griffincatalyst.org.
About The Children’s Trust
The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue, supported by ad valorem property taxes, that funds hundreds of programs across thousands of sites in Miami-Dade to directly serve children and their families. Local voters established The Trust in 2002, and 86% of voters permanently reauthorized it in 2008 to ensure it continues to positively shape Miami-Dade’s future.
About Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), an A-rated district, is the nation’s third-largest school system, serving more than 300,000 students across 340+ schools. With students representing over 160 countries, M-DCPS is a vibrant reflection of global diversity and academic excellence. Our commitment to excellence is evident in our landmark 95 percent graduation rate and consistent recognition at national and international levels. Anchored in excellence, innovation, choice, and safety, M-DCPS continues to be your best choice for a world-class education.
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee
Working in partnership with FIFA and associated sports and municipal entities, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee was established to maximize opportunities and deliver an unmatched FIFA World Cup 26™ experience that creates enduring economic, social, recreational, and cultural opportunities in communities throughout Miami-Dade County.
Media Contact
Jen Arnold
Vice President, Marketing & Communications, U.S. Soccer Foundation
jarnold@ussoccerfoundation.org
