Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard, Target, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the City of Yonkers officially opened a new mini-pitch at Pelton Park on Wednesday with students from the local Boys & Girls Club. Participants celebrated the opening of the new mini-pitch by playing in an inaugural scrimmage on the pitch. Tim served as a guest coach and participants and their families also had the opportunity to learn new soccer moves from professional soccer freestyler Frankie FLO.
The mini-pitch opening also marked the launch of the Tim Howard Foundation, which provide resources, experiences and opportunities for children facing challenges in their families or communities, as well as those with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders, that foster confidence and lifelong personal growth.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Tim and his new Foundation to open this mini-pitch in Yonkers,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This new mini-pitch ensures that more children have safe places to play and access to soccer programs that support their health and wellbeing. Our collaboration with Tim shows how athletes can use soccer as a vehicle to have continued positive impact in communities beyond their professional playing careers.”
“Working with the Tim Howard Foundation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target is a great example of the good that comes from public-private partnerships,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “Tim Howard is a born leader who understands the importance of providing greater opportunities to our young people so they can grow and flourish – we are proud that Yonkers is home to his foundation’s first mini-pitch. We couldn’t be more excited to transform this underutilized area at Pelton Park into a recreational space for our residents to enjoy.”
The mini-pitch project was made possible through funding from the Tim Howard Foundation and Target and builds on more than 100 mini-pitches the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target have installed together since 2018. In another exciting development, Target is set to open its first store in Yonkers, New York’s third largest city.
This mini-pitch 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 more than 500 mini-pitches nationwide. The goal is to install 1,000 by 2026.
