Chicago Soccer Initiative

In conjunction with the launch of It’s Everyone’s Game, we joined Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, and Citadel to announce an initiative to create 50 soccer play spaces in underserved neighborhoods throughout Chicago over five years. The project has been made possible by a $3 million gift from the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund and substantial contributions from the Hauptman family and the Chicago Fire Soccer Club.

Chicago is the second city to announce a major commitment to providing safe places to play and expanding sports-based youth development programs for its youth.

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What Partners Are Saying

These new soccer pitches will give young people across Chicago state-of-the-art places to play and learn one of the world's most exciting and popular games. This partnership provides a great opportunity for our youth to stay active, and gain teamwork and leadership skills that will serve them on and off the field throughout their lives.
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
I am thrilled to support the U.S. Soccer Foundation's efforts to provide children across Chicago greater opportunities to play soccer. I've enjoyed soccer for over 30 years, first as a player and more recently as a coach, where I've seen the game teach children the importance of teamwork, the benefits of practice and the joy of competition.
Ken GriffinFounder and CEO, Citadel
These mini-pitches will transform the everyday lives of Chicagoland children, and further grow the passion for soccer across our city...This initiative perfectly complements the extensive community programming that the Fire has developed and runs throughout Chicago.
Andrew HauptmanOwner and Chairman, Chicago Fire Soccer Club
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Initiative Partners

Our partners in Chicago play a significant role in helping us make soccer everyone’s game.

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Other Mini-Pitch Initiatives