Soccer Mini-Pitch Honoring W. Robert Reum Opens in Downers Grove

August 26, 2024

Downers Grove, IL – A new mini-pitch installed in honor of the late W. Robert Reum was officially unveiled at the Indian Boundary YMCA on Tuesday, August 20. Born and raised in Oak Park, Bob served as chairman and board member for The Morton Arboretum for nearly 20 years. Bob also served as chairman, president, and CEO of Chicago-based Amsted Industries and was a member of the board of trustees and treasurer of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The Musco Mini-Pitch System was funded by Bob’s son, Courtney Reum, who serves on the board of the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

“Growing up locally in the Chicagoland area, sports were a big part of my family and soccer became the top sport for my brother and me (my sister was an accomplished gymnast),” said Courtney Reum. “My Dad’s support was unwavering, which is impressive considering he was an all-state basketball player at Oak Park High School and later went on to play D-I at Yale but didn’t know the first thing about soccer. My parents were all about integrity and giving us opportunities, so we hope that those values are passed on through this mini-pitch to all those who play on it.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to have Courtney on our Board of Directors and personally inspired by his investment in a mini-pitch in honor of his father,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This gift to the Downers Grove community is the latest example of Courtney’s unwavering commitment to using the game of soccer to positively impact the health and well-being of young people.”

At the grand opening event, local youth joined the Reum family, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation Ed Foster-Simeon, soccer coach Brett Hall, representatives from The Morton Arboretum, Amsted, Chicago Fire, Chicago Red Stars, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago for an official “first kick” and scrimmages on the new pitch. As part of the opening ceremony, The Morton Arboretum donated a tree that will be planted at the YMCA in Robert’s name.

Attendees and their families were also able to participate in soccer games, partake in other activities, and enjoy food from local vendors. Courtney’s brother, Jim, who resides in Chicago with his family, and their soccer coach, Brett Hall, also attended the event.

The Indian Boundary YMCA mini-pitch is one of more than 700 mini-pitches the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed across the United States to date on its path to opening 1,000 mini-pitches across the country by 2026. This goal is part of the Foundation’s efforts to provide under-resourced communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential.

Courtney Reum joined the U.S. Soccer Foundation board of directors in 2022. He is entrepreneur, product developer, investment banker, and – as of his January 2024 signing – professional soccer player.

To access event photos and video, click here.

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.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Katy Broom, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

kbroom@ymcachicago.org

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