U.S. Soccer Foundation Awards $159,376 in Grant Funding for Soccer Field-Building and Enhancement Projects to Increase Access to the Game for More Than 12,000 Youth and Adults

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Soccer Foundation today announced it has awarded nine grants totaling $159,376 to organizations that will build and enhance safe places to play in eight states. When completed, the projects will provide access to safe play spaces for more than 12,000 youth and adults.

In three cycles throughout the year, the Foundation awards lighting, irrigation, and Sport Court grants as a part of the Safe Places to Play program. Synthetic turf funding applications are also accepted on a rolling basis. Recipients receive grants that fund project costs for design, construction, irrigation, lighting, surfacing, and other enhancements.

“One of the biggest barriers to our sport is access to safe places to play and it is through our Safe Places to Play grant cycles that we work with organizations across the country to remedy this,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “What can be said about each of these grantees is that there is an unwavering commitment to ensure access to the beautiful game.”

Fall 2019 Safe Places to Play Grant Recipients

• Borough of New Milford (New Milford, NJ)
• City of Guymon (Guymon, OK)
• City of Nacogdoches (Nacogdoches, TX)
• City of Newberry (Newberry, FL)
• Live Oak School District (Santa Cruz, CA)
• Puente de Hózhó Elementary School (Flagstaff, AZ)
• Redlands Christian Migrant Association (Wimauma, FL)
• The Sanneh Foundation (St. Paul, MN)
• Town of Easton (Easton, ME)

These grants support the Foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game national movement to ensure that children living in underserved communities can enjoy the health and youth development benefits of the game. Launched in 2017, the Foundation aims to build 1,000 mini-pitches nationwide and engage one million children in the Foundation’s Soccer for Success program by 2026. In line with this mission, these projects will provide children with safe and high-quality places to play the beautiful game.

Support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s three Safe Places to Play grant cycles is provided by the Foundation’s corporate partners, including Hunter Industries, Musco Lighting, and Sport Court. AstroTurf’s support is used for opportunities on a rolling basis.

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 www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Arnold
jarnold@ussoccerfoundation.org
202.872.6662