Together, we can give millions of kids from underserved communities safe places to grow, thrive and build confidence for life.
Project made possible thanks to Carlos Zaffirini and U.S. Soccer Foundation
Laredo, TX – The U.S. Soccer Foundation announced today that it will be installing a new soccer mini-pitch in Laredo this fall. The mini-pitch—a customized, hard-court surface about the size of a basketball court—is being funded by Carlos Zaffirini, President & CEO of AHCV, a company focused on generating innovative solutions that enhance the ability of healthcare providers to serve patients and the communities in which they live.
“Soccer plays an important role in our community and I am thrilled by the opportunity and partnership between U.S. Soccer Foundation and the city of Laredo to build a new facility,” said Carlos Zaffirini, President & CEO of AHCV. “The new mini-pitch will serve as a place that children can play and learn important skills for years to come.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Carlos and the City of Laredo to install this new mini-pitch,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This mini-pitch will provide more children with safe places for free play and organized soccer programs that support their health and wellbeing.”
The mini-pitch will be one just one of 45 mini-pitches installed across the state of Texas, with others already open for play in cities including Dallas, Houston, Austin, Arlington, and Uvalde. Since 2015, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has opened 591 mini-pitches with 88 more fully-funded and in the queue to be installed. By 2026, the U.S. Soccer Foundation aims to install 1,000 mini-pitches nationwide.
Community impact surveys show that mini-pitches strengthen community cohesion and encourage physical activity. In fact, 99% of those surveyed say that people in their community are more active after installation of a mini-pitch and 98% say that the community feels safer acter installation of a mini-pitch.
More information about the location of the mini-pitch will be released soon.
ABOUT 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 www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jennifer Arnold, U.S. Soccer Foundation, jarnold@ussoccerfoundation.org