![kids happy and playing on a mini-pitch](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/bert.jpg")
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The Reum Team’s Dream
“Mini-pitches are really important because they help democratize opportunity.”
Perhaps it was the air of the Democratic National Convention looming in the Chicago area, but we think U.S. Soccer Foundation board member Courtney Reum was spot on last week when speaking about the importance of mini-pitches ahead of the opening event on the very mini-pitch he helped fund!
Executing the Reum Team’s Dream
Installed in honor of Courtney’s late father, Robert, partners officially unveiled the mini-pitch at the Indian Boundary YMCA in front of family, friends, and community members. Representatives from The Morton Arboretum, for whom Bob served as chairman and board member, were also in the audience.
Participating youth raced around the Y, trying out their skills on the new pitch with community coaches from the Chicago Fire and Chicago Red Stars. Families also received admission tickets to the Arboretum, who will come back later this year to plant a tree at the Y in honor of Robert.
“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. “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.”
![a sky blue, navy blue, and white banner is taped on the face of the goal. It reads "Indian Boundary YMCA Mini-Pitch Grand Opening" and includes the U.S. Soccer Foundation and YMCA logos. It also reads "Robert Reum Memorial Mini-Pitch" in the bottom right corner.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Photo-Aug-20-2024-4-31-50-PM-1000x750.jpg")
![a young girl with long black hair celebrates scoring a goal in a fun jumping motion on the grass soccer pitch. she is wearing a white U.S. Soccer Foundation jersey.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Photo-Aug-20-2024-5-32-08-PM-750x1000.jpg")
![a young black looks down at a soccer ball getting ready to shoot against her opponents on the dark blue mini-pitch](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/212_YMCA_IB_Soccer_CCPV_82124-1000x666.jpg")
![a young black boy gives a thumbs-up to the camera. he is wearing a navy blue U.S. Soccer Foundation jersey and a grin. He is on the grass.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Photo-Aug-20-2024-5-13-42-PM-750x1000.jpg")
![a young tree sits in a wheelbarrow in the parking lot ready for planting. it is encased in a sack within the wheelbarrow and has a fair amount of green leaves despite its youth.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Photo-Aug-20-2024-1-30-59-PM-750x1000.jpg")
![adults and youth exclaim after the completion of the first kick on the dark blue mini-pitch. a decorative banner breaks away on the face of the goal.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/134_YMCA_IB_Soccer_CCPV_82124-1000x666.jpg")
![courtney addresses the crowd from the center of the dark blue pitch. the goal with the first kick banner is in the background.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/085_YMCA_IB_Soccer_CCPV_82124-1000x666.jpg")