Last month, Montreal installed the league's 20th mini-pitch, a project in coordination with MLS WORKS, U.S. Soccer Foundation, Southern New Hampshire University, adidas and Canada Soccer. The 20-for-20 Mini-Pitch Initiative gives children in underserved communities in the United States and Canada a safe place to play, encouraging these children to engage in unstructured play with one another. These colorful, inviting surfaces are smaller, concrete courts marked with basic soccer lines, as well as incorporating the local club's crest and colors.
You may recall that the Earthquakes unveiled their mini-pitch on July 28 during All-Star week in San Jose, presenting Oscala STEAM Academy with a black and blue surface on San Jose's east side. The ceremony featured Chris Wondolowski, Jermaine Jones and other MLS All-Stars in town for the week.
"What’s special for me is that years from now, I get to come back and see this pitch and see what it’s done," Quakes captain & MLS All-Star Wondolowski said at the unveiling.
In addition to the scholarships awarded by SNHU and $1.1 million invested in the program, thousands of children and counting now have a safe space to learn and enjoy the game with one another.
Read Geoff Lepper's full story from July's Quakes mini-pitch unveil here.
