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![mini-pitch infographic](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/EmailInfographic_SPP_v71-1000x640.png")
What started as a single mini-pitch has grown into a nationwide movement transforming how communities play, connect, and thrive. A new study by NC State University finds that 6.5 million children now live within a half mile—roughly a 10-minute walk—of a mini-pitch.
Recent Posts
Welcome to Freestyle Fridays with Frankie Flo! Through this social media challenge we hope to inspire you to try a new trick with your favorite soccer ball. Challenge yourself or a friend for a chance to win!
![A smiling man in a black jacket, gray track pants, and a black cap stands on an indoor soccer field with a ball at his feet, facing a large group of children and youth in bright orange shirts seated and gathered in front of him. The space has high ceilings with exposed white beams and large windows along the sides, creating a bright and energetic atmosphere.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/0M4A7791-1000x667.jpg")
Through the United for Girls initiative, we have tripled the number of girls in our programs and engaged 5,475 women and non-binary coaches. To help others engage girls, we worked with 21 diverse partners on a new Count Her In Playbook.
![image of girls on soccer field](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/girls-img-1000x568.jpg")
Our VP of Programs, Sarah Pickens, reflects on what the 50th anniversary of Title IX and Pride month mean to her.
![U.S. Soccer Foundation logo in navy that incorporate colors of Pride flag](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Pride_logo_Blue-1.png"){kind=logo}
Our 500th mini-pitch is open for play. The new mini-pitch at Hendley Elementary School in Washington, DC. marks our halfway point toward 1,000 mini-pitches by 2026.
![A photo of a mini-pitch with artwork at Hendley Elementary School in DC](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Hendley-After-4.jpeg")
Having played soccer at The Simple Foundation herself and now a full-time professional running the Soccer for Success program at the Foundation, Afiya is on a mission to more girls involved in soccer.
![two young girls playing soccer](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Simple-Foundation-2.jpg")
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women coach-mentors who help make everyone feel valued by creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive spaces for young people.
![A collage graphic celebrating International Women's Day featuring photos of diverse women and girls engaged in soccer activities. The images include women holding soccer balls, coaching, posing with kids, and giving thumbs up. The background is light blue with icons symbolizing teamwork, support, and empowerment, and a bold banner at the top reads "International Women's Day."](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IWD_graphic_V1-1024x656-1-1000x641.png")
This group of organizations will test innovative approaches for creating sports environments that are truly inclusive and show every child that there is a safe place for them in sport.
![A split graphic showing two images side by side. On the left, a childhood photo of a young Black girl smiling in a blue Douglas County Soccer jersey, holding a soccer ball. On the right, a small child wearing a pink and blue jacket walks away on grass, facing away from the camera. The design includes red, blue, and white geometric accents.](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/InnovatetoElevate_ImageTreatment_v1-1000x667.png")
You could say that Vanessa Spero’s decision to host a summer Soccer for Success program for children with Down syndrome was a personal one. And it benefited not only the kids in the programs, but the teen coach-mentors who had the opportunity to work with them and make lasting relationships.
![children participating in soccer for success pose for a photo wearing their green jerseys](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/20210719_163407_original-scaled-1-1000x750.jpg")
I am so blessed to say that I get to do what I love for a living. Since 2017 through the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s and the Independent Health Foundation’s Soccer for Success program, I’ve been able to call one of our sites at JH Williams Park my second home and safe space.
![alana pictured in front of white house with soccer ball in red shirt and white hat](https://ussoccerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/HAR_6624-scaled-1-1000x668.jpg")
