Philadelphia continues to step up our commitment to foster the game of soccer throughout the city. Rebuild with our partners the Philadelphia Union Foundation and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer are committed to installing fifteen soccer mini pitches and two signature fields across the city of Philadelphia.
This summer Mayor Kenney joined the partners Philadelphia Union Foundation, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, City officials and community members to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated athletic courts and brand-new soccer mini pitch at Francis J. Myers Recreation Center.
“It’s paramount to build new fields and safe spaces to play. Our vision is to provide first class facilities and opportunity. The City, Rebuild, and the Philadelphia Union Foundation have been great partners in executing this vision,” said Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.
The partnerships between The Philadelphia Union Foundation and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer allows for communities to learn and embrace soccer. However, recreation Center Leader at F.J. Myers, Jamila Rahman, has seen first-hand the impact that the new mini pitch has had on the community.
“Literally, from day one we had activity! Even after the ribbon cutting event several families and organizations stayed until that evening. By the next day we had two permits,” said Jamila Rahman, F.J. Myers recreation leader. “By the beginning of September, three programs signed up to use the mini-pitch— R&R Soccer, Star Finders and Police -District 12 Soccer Night on Fridays!”
The new soccer mini-pitch and renovated athletic courts are a shining example of what shared investment accomplishes. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and the Philadelphia Union Foundation are exemplary organizations that responded to the call to join Rebuild in ensuring the children of Philadelphia have state of the art spaces to play and grow.
“The Rebuild initiative is phenomenal and it changes lives as well as communities,” said Rahman. “It’s great to hear the noise of balls bouncing, children laughing and the community coming back to life on our playgrounds, on the courts and with the new loved sport of Soccer.”
As Rebuild moves through the city with newly upgraded facilities, South Philly’s Capitolo Playground is next on the roster for a brand new soccer mini-pitch. Philadelphia is committed to growing the game of soccer for all. The addition of soccer mini pitches adds to the variety of opportunities in the city, most importantly gives children an additional outlet outside of their everyday routines!
“The smiles, laughter and joy are what is most important to Rebuild,” said Executive Director Kira Strong. “This is about the kids in Philadelphia!”
