Kids play on the new LEGO mini-pitch in Albuquerque, NM
Let soccer do what soccer does.

Together, we can give millions of kids from underserved communities safe places to grow, thrive and build confidence for life.

Safe Places to Play logo

Safe Places to Play

Every child deserves a safe place to play in their neighborhood, so we’re aiming to create 1,000 mini-pitches across the country by 2026.

four girls in soccer jerseys smiling

What Is a Mini-Pitch?

 

Mini-pitches are customized, hard-court surfaces suited for soccer programs and pick-up games. Mini-pitches serve as community hubs, encourage physical activity, and provide more opportunities for play.

Impact

Children who live in underserved areas are four times more likely to lack access to recreational facilities.

Mini-pitches provide safe places to play right in their neighborhoods.

  • 700+mini-pitches that provide safe places to play nationwide
  • 99%say that their community is more active with a mini-pitch
  • 98%say their community feels safer with a mini-pitch
  • 96%say the mini-pitch is accessible to all

Lighting for Night Play

Red mini-pitch with lights shining on it

Lighting extends the number of hours in a day youth and adults can play.

Accessible for All

Kids playing soccer on a green and blue mini-pitch

ADA and power wheelchair–accessible gates and a hard-court surface allow for everyone to play.

Convenient for Players & Families

Boy and coach hugging while parents and community members celebrate on the sidelines of a red mini-pitch

Lockable storage, benches, and other sideline enhancements make it easy for people to get in the game and support players.

Customized Surface & Design

Black mini-pitch with custom mural around the goal and side boards

Uniquely designed courts and custom signage transform the look and feel of neighborhoods to reflect the community that lives and plays there.

Find a mini-pitch

Use our interactive map to locate a mini-pitch near you.

Tayla’s Story

When a new mini-pitch came to Talya’s school, she and her classmates were thrilled. Talya thinks that every kid should have a mini-pitch so that they have a safe place to play, have fun, and make new friends.

Learn About Talya’s Story
Girl talking in soccer jersey
  • “Kids that have never tried soccer before or even attempted to play soccer are now on the pitch having a great time. The community really loves it!”

    Sue

    physical education teacher

  • “It really means a lot to me because the community hardly had a soccer field before. It was nothing…just pure dirt and dried grass. I’m so happy because the community can just come together and play as one.”

    Gabriel

    high schooler

  • “It’s huge and so exciting for us to be a recipient of a mini-pitch this year. Soccer is something that unites people. Having this soccer pitch is a beautiful symbol of our community and all that it means to really bring a community together.”

    Kate

    executive director

  • “Although they often arrive at the mini-pitches speaking different languages, they’re able to communicate through the ‘soccer language.’ Through this universal language, children leave with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

    Ricky

    community member

Before & After

Featured mini-pitches

  • Roby George Park Before creating a mini-pitch in Homestead, FloridaRoby George Park green mini-pitch in Homestead, FL
  • Leon Z Grayson Community Center Before creating a mini-pitch in Houston, TXblack and orange mini-pitch at Leon Z Grayson Community Center in Houston, TX
  • Belle Haven School before creating a mini-pitchmini-pitch at Belle Haven School in Menlo Park, CA Bay Area
  • stefanik park yonkers ny before creating a mini-pitchred and blue mini-pitch at Stefanik park in yonkers ny