Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the City of Yonkers’ partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target to create the City’s first mini-pitch (soccer field). The project is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places To Play program, which seeks to transform underutilized areas, like vacant lots and empty schoolyards, into state-of-the-art pitches to play the game.
Through its national partnership, Target and the U.S. Soccer Foundation will create 100 mini-pitches by the end of 2020. Yonkers’ new mini-pitch will be located at Stefanik Park (Nepperhan Ave.) and will transform an empty pavement area into a mini-pitch to be used for recreational play.
“Working with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target is an excellent example of the positive changes that can come from public-private partnerships,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “I couldn’t be more excited to partner with these organizations in transforming an underutilized area into a recreational space for our community to enjoy.”
“Through our partnership with Target, we’ve been able to create safe places across the country so that more community members can play the beautiful game,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President & CEO Ed Foster-Simeon. “Even in these difficult times and under uncertain circumstances, that work has not stopped. We continue to create these spaces with Target and we’re excited that one is coming to the Yonkers community in partnership with the City of Yonkers.”
The mini-pitch installation at Stefanik Park is underway and is expected to be completed mid-September with an official unveiling to be announced.
Scope of Work:
· Surface Area: 84’ x 50’ (4,200 sq. ft.)
· 2” asphalt cap applied to full current soccer space (approximately 6,300 square feet)
· Musco Lighting to install its lighted “Mini-Pitch System”
· Laykold Masters acrylic sports coating applied to new asphalt surface, with above-referenced logos and soccer game lines
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 www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter at @ussoccerfndn and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ussoccerfoundation.
