In 2017, The Chicago Fire Football Club, in conjunction with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the City of Chicago, announced plans to build 50 mini-pitches in underserved neighborhoods throughout the Chicagoland area (primarily on the south and west sides) within five years as part of the national campaign, It’s Everyone’s Game. The mini-pitches are supported by a generous $3 million gift from the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund and a substantial contribution from the Chicago Fire and the Fire Foundation. This announcement became the first of a series of events that will bring It’s Everyone’s Game to cities across America. Part of the national campaign, It’s Everyone’s Game, aimed at dramatically expanding its impact on children across the country through soccer-based programs. This campaign pledged to reach one million children annually and build 1,000 mini-pitches, by 2026.*
On December 21, 2021, the Chicago Fire FC and the Chicago Soccer Initiative partners – Chicago Park District, the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation - announced the completion of 50 mini-pitches that are now open at Chicago Parks locations across the city. The initiative was finished a full year ahead of expected completion and emphasizes the importance of providing a safe, free place for the community to play soccer.
Read more on the completion of the initiative here, and find a mini-pitch location near you by clicking here.
