On May 9, KC Current, Target, KC Parks, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation announced the site of a new mini-pitch coming to Ashland Square Park. The organizations have teamed up to transform an under-utilized space into a brand-new, state-of-the-art mini-pitch. U.S. Women’s National Team and KC Current players Adrianna Franch, Sam Mewis, and Lynn Williams were also on hand to participate in the festivities, speak with youth, and sign autographs.
“The Kansas City Current is thrilled to install our first mini-pitch in Kansas City. We believe in the power of sport for all, and this pitch ensures that kids have the access and opportunities to dream big and aspire to the same achievements as our talented players,” said Ben Aken, Vice President of Community Relations with the Kansas City Current.
“We are excited about our partnership with KC Current, Target and the US Soccer Foundation to bring a new amenity to Ashland Square,” said Chris Cotten, KC Parks Director. “This 7.5 acre park is part of our Quality of Life Investment District, known as QLID, a fourth maintenance district put together to help create more equity within our park system. By focusing on these 38 parks and creating amenities, such as this mini-pitch, we hope to enhance the quality of life and increase life expectancy for all residents.”
“We’re thrilled to break ground on our first mini-pitch with the KC Current that will provide more girls and boys a safe place to play our game,” said Ginny Ehrlich, Chief Revenue Officer at the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We know what can happen when clubs invest in their communities, and we know that this mini-pitch at Ashland Square Park will help transform young lives on and off the pitch.”
The project is made possible through funding from KC Current and Target and builds on more than 100 mini-pitches the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target have installed together over the past three years.
This mini-pitch also marks the latest development in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game national movement to ensure children in underserved communities can enjoy the health and youth development benefits of the game. To date, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed nearly 500 mini-pitches nationwide. The goal is to install 1,000 by 2026.
About the Kansas City Current
Founded in December 2020, the Kansas City Current is led by the ownership group of Angie Long, Chris Long and Brittany Mahomes. The team competes in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). The Kansas City Current announced plans for the first stadium purpose-built for an NWSL team with expected completion in 2024. For more information, visit KansasCityCurrent.com.
ABOUT THE U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.