A New Mini-Pitch Opens in Cleveland, Honoring Justin Morrow’s Hometown

This week, we joined partners from adidas, Black Players for Change (BPC), Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC), and Musco Lighting in Cleveland, coming together to celebrate the opening of a brand new mini-pitch with community members and youth.

For Justin Morrow, a former pro player and Cleveland native, the moment was especially meaningful. Seeing a mini-pitch installed in his hometown represents more than a new place to play. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when partners come together to invest in the community and create access and opportunity for the kids who need it most.

The celebration brought together community members, local leaders, and young athletes for a day of energy and inspiration. After a short speaking program, kids took to the pitch for pickup games, laughter, and the first kick of their new mini-pitch.

This safe place to play is part of a growing effort led by the U.S. Soccer Foundation and our partners to create more places for kids to play, grow, and find belonging. It’s a reminder that the impact of soccer goes far beyond the game, creating opportunity and community on and off the pitch.