Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano unveiled the city’s first-ever mini-pitch at Stefanik Park (Nepperhan Avenue & Ingram Street). The soccer mini-pitch, inclusive of new LED lighting, is a gift to the City of Yonkers from the U.S. Soccer Foundation and their partner, Target, valued at $100,000.
“Thanks to the support of community partners like the U.S. Soccer Foundation, which worked with Target to make this project possible, we are thrilled to unveil a state-of-the-art mini-pitch for all to enjoy,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This public-private partnership resulted in the transformation of an underutilized area into a recreational play space that I am confident the community will appreciate.”
“Stefanik Park holds a rich and unique history for Yonkers community members,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President & CEO Ed Foster-Simeon. “We’re so excited Target is working with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to contribute to Stefanik Park by providing a safe and welcoming place to play for years to come.”
“Target is excited to make soccer more accessible to kids in Stefanik Park, helping bring moments of joy to the Yonkers community through our partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation,” said Maurice Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, Target. “We’re proud to help create 100 new soccer mini pitches across the country by the end of 2020 to provide safe places to play, and give more kids the opportunity to get involved in the game.”
The City of Yonkers announced its partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to create the mini-pitch in late August 2020. The project is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places To Play program, which, in conjunction with its affiliates like Target, seeks to transform underutilized areas, like vacant lots and empty schoolyards, into state-of-the-art pitches to play the game. Through its national affiliation, Target, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, will create 100 mini-pitches in communities across the country by the end of 2020.
