A new soccer park and learning center has opened in Altadena, offering a fresh start for families still recovering from the devastating Eaton Fire.
The facility, known as the UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center, is situated on the grounds of St. Elizabeth Parish School, chosen for its proximity to the fire‑scarred neighborhoods.
A Dual Purpose Space
The center features two regulation‑size artificial turf soccer fields and a bright classroom created from a repurposed shipping container, designed to host a variety of youth programs.
Year‑round activities include soccer leagues, mentorship sessions, tutoring, and workshops that blend sport with academic support.
Funding and Vision
The project received partial financing from Fast Retailing, UNIQLO’s parent company, which pledged up to $2 million in financial aid and clothing donations. UNIQLO USA CEO Adachi Fuminori expressed hope that the center will become a place where children can play, learn and feel supported.
Lawrence Cann, founder and CEO of Street Soccer USA, added that the facility will serve as a cornerstone for community healing as Altadena rebuilds.
Since 2013, UNIQLO and Street Soccer USA have collaborated on youth soccer initiatives across the United States, with UNIQLO acting as the nonprofit’s official clothing sponsor.
Organizers anticipate reaching roughly 1,000 young people in the center’s first year, providing a safe space for recreation and personal development.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish are partnering with Street Soccer USA to reinvest in the Altadena community, underscoring the project’s broader social impact.