New Mini-Pitch Opens in Jersey City as part of FIFA World Cup 26™ Legacy Efforts
Jersey City, NJ (March 31, 2025) – The U.S. Soccer Foundation and the FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host Committee yesterday unveiled the first of 26 new mini-pitches coming to the region, celebrating the official opening at Joseph H. Brensinger School – PS 17 in Jersey City, New Jersey. The installation marks a major milestone in the Host Committee’s broader legacy initiative with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to ensure that the FIFA World Cup 26™ creates a meaningful, long-term impact for local communities.
In addition to creating 26 mini-pitches across the region, the Foundation and Host Committee also aim to engage at least 25,000 youth from under-resourced communities in soccer programs proven to build physical, social, and emotional wellbeing and train at least 1,000 coach-mentors across New York and New Jersey to help lead these programs.
Additional mini-pitches will be unveiled in the coming months in partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee’s Host City Supporters, continuing the region-wide rollout of this legacy initiative ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™.
“For too many youth across the region, safe places to play and be active are often out of reach,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This mini-pitch isn’t just a safe place to play—it’s a chance for young people to build relationships, connect with caring and trained coach-mentors, and develop critical life skills.”
“Bringing the World Cup to our region is about more than the matches—it’s about growing the game and expanding access for the next generation,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee. “These mini-pitches will give thousands of young people a safe, accessible place to play, helping to strengthen communities and inspire a lifelong connection to soccer across New York and New Jersey.”
The mini-pitch was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Dr. Norma Fernández, Superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools; Dr. Robert Brower, Principal of PS 17; and other local leaders and dignitaries.
These mini-pitches are designed to serve as vibrant community hubs—spaces where youth and families can participate in organized programs, join pickup games, and enjoy a safe, accessible environment to play soccer. A recent NC State University evaluation found that each U.S. Soccer Foundation mini-pitch supports an average of 9 hours of structured programming and 43 hours of open play every week, underscoring their value as high impact community assets.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is leading national legacy efforts tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, working to ensure the tournament leaves a lasting benefit for youth and families nationwide. To date, the Foundation and its partners have installed more than 850 mini-pitches across the country and are on track to reach 1,000 by the end of 2026.
This new mini-pitch is the 32nd installed in New Jersey, where more than 77,000 youth have already participated in the Foundation’s school- and community-based programs.
To download photos from the mini-pitch opening, click here.
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee is the local organizing body responsible for delivering eight matches, including the Final. The NYNJ Host Committee coordinates between city and state stakeholders and FIFA to ensure world-class delivery of infrastructure, services, and fan experiences. Its mission: to create the most engaging, inclusive, and impactful World Cup experience for fans, athletes, partners, and communities.
Learn more about FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches being held in NYNJ via the Host Committee’s website, Instagram, X, Facebook and TikTok.
