January 21 – Becoming a host city of World Cup matches often brings additional benefits beyond the influx of tourism to the local economy.
In Boston, where seven matches will be played at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, the Boston Host City organising committee (Boston 26) and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have agreed in principle to build up to 20 new mini-pitches in the New England region leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Funding for this project will come from Boston 26 Host City Supporters and Donors and will also include a 39-day window of celebratory events across the region, and other meaningful impact programs that will have a long-lasting effect on surrounding communities.
Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation said: “For more than 30 years, as the legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has been focused on advancing soccer as a vehicle for social impact in under-resourced communities, including creating safe places for youth and families to play.
“We are thrilled to team up with Boston 26 to create mini-pitches across the region in the lead up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and provide more places for children to play in the neighborhoods where they live and go to school,” he added.
“Together, we’ll use our game to improve the health and well-being of youth and strengthen communities, creating a legacy for this tournament that will benefit generations to come.”
The mini-pitches are part of the US Soccer Foundations programme Safe Places to Play, which transforms and revitalises under-served areas into state-of-the-art places to play soccer. Mini-pitches improve safety perceptions, encourage physical activity, and have been shown to strengthen communities.
Alex Klosterkemper, chief impact officer for Boston 26 said: “As a FIFA World Cup™Host City, we have a tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drive economic, environmental and social impact for our region.” He added, “Sport, and soccer in particular, has the power to unite, energize and create a passionate following that we want to harness for positive change. The mini-pitch project is the start of a holistic program to leave a positive impact for our region leading up to 2026 and beyond.”
Football has been an integral part of the Boston sports landscape since the 1994 World Cup and the inception of the New England Revolution in the MLS.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1737445353labto1737445353ofdlr1737445353owedi1737445353sni@o1737445353fni1737445353