MIAMI — On Monday, Jan., 28, 2019, Miami-Dade Parks, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target unveiled a new set of mini-pitches at South Dade Park in Homestead. These mini-pitches mark the latest play spaces to be completed as part of a Target and U.S. Soccer Foundation partnership to build 100 mini-pitches nationwide by 2020. To date, the two organizations have also created mini-pitches in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Orlando and Tampa through the partnership.
These mini-pitches mark the latest developments in the foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game movement which aims to build 1,000 safe play spaces and reach one million participants annually in Soccer for Success programming by 2026. Target is a national partner in this effort.
“Target continues to demonstrate its commitment to growing the sport of soccer by increasing access to safe places to play in underserved communities,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “It has been exciting to see the impact these pitches have had on local communities across the country, which is why we’re especially grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Miami-Dade Parks on the mini-pitches at South Dade Park.”
“Target is proud to make soccer more accessible to kids in Miami-Dade County and in many other communities we serve through our partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation,” said William White, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Target. “What we love about Safe Places to Play is how the program brings families and communities together across cultures and all areas of the country. We’re honored to help build 100 new soccer play spaces by 2020 to create safe and accessible places to play and give more kids the opportunity to get involved in the game.”
“What a great way to help kick off Parks 90th anniversary. Thank you to the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target for making this possible,” Miami-Dade Parks Director, Maria I. Nardi, shared.
“Soccer has exploded in our community, and we are so excited for the kids in this area who get to practice on these beautiful mini-pitches – you never know if the next Beckham will come from right here at South Dade Park!” Lynne Kunins, President and CEO of FLIPANY, said. “Target is creating safe places to play with Miami-Dade Parks. FLIPANY is excited and has a longstanding partnership with Miami-Dade Parks, Target and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. These mini pitches are an integral part of educating youth about health and wellness while introducing the wonderful sport of soccer to over 600 youth in underserved South Florida areas. We look forward to increasing our reach by serving more youth in South Florida to reach the nationwide goal of one million children introduced to soccer by 2026.”
At the unveiling, Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, Pilar Bonelli of Target, U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO, Ed Foster-Simeon, and FLIPANY President and CEO Lynne Kunins, delivered short remarks about the importance of these mini-pitches for the local community. FOX Sports broadcaster and U.S. Soccer Foundation ambassador Fernando Fiore served as the event emcee.
After the opening remarks, local youth and partners participated in an official ribbon cutting, followed by a “first kick” on one of the new pitches. Families and youth also took part in Target-run activities such as a challenge wheel, photo booth, and “soccer pool” as a part of the community event.
