NEW YORK — U.S. men’s national team captain Tyler Adams is expanding efforts to build small soccer facilities in underserved communities across the United States, supporting a broader initiative aimed at increasing youth access to sports and recreational opportunities ahead of and beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Adams, who has partnered with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and private sponsors on several community projects, said the mini-pitches are designed to provide children with safe and accessible places to play. The hard-surface courts, typically about the size of a basketball court, require less space and maintenance than traditional soccer fields and are often installed in neighborhoods with limited recreational infrastructure.
“When you go down to a park, no matter what surface you're on, as long as you have a ball, you're happy,” Adams said in comments reported by NBC. He added that mini-pitches offer a simple way to expand opportunities for young players and encourage community engagement.
The initiative is part of a wider national effort led by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, which has set a goal of installing about 1,000 mini-pitches in underserved areas by the end of 2026. According to the organization, hundreds of facilities have already been completed nationwide, with projects supported by local governments, schools, sports organizations and corporate partners.
In recent years, mini-pitch projects have been announced in cities including Philadelphia, Jersey City, Dallas and communities across Washington state. Organizers say the facilities are intended to serve as community gathering spaces while supporting youth development programs linked to education, mentoring and physical activity.
Adams has been directly involved in several openings. In 2025, he joined community leaders and youth participants at the unveiling of a mini-pitch in the Philadelphia area as part of a partnership with insurer Allstate and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Partnering with Allstate to create this mini-pitch means a lot to me, not just because it’s about soccer, but because it’s about access,” Adams said at the event.
Education and community advocates have welcomed the projects, saying access to organized sports can support physical health, teamwork and social development. The U.S. Soccer Foundation has cited research indicating that mini-pitches contribute to increased youth activity and community participation following installation.
The push comes as the United States co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Several World Cup host committees have incorporated mini-pitch construction into their legacy programs, aiming to leave long-term community benefits after the tournament concludes.
As of June 2026, Adams continues to promote the initiative through community events and partnerships, while the U.S. Soccer Foundation and local organizations proceed with additional installations planned across the country.
