A community milestone
Scranton officials gathered on a crisp August afternoon to celebrate the inauguration of a brand‑new soccer mini‑pitch at Weston Field, a project made possible by a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Philadelphia Soccer 2026.
The installation forms part of Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s Legacy Initiative, which aims to leave a lasting footprint across Pennsylvania ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Scranton earned its place among three Pennsylvania fan zones that will host World Cup watch parties from July 4 through July 19, 2026, drawing thousands of supporters to the city.
The ceremony featured remarks from Scranton Executive Director Sherry Frable, Parks Director Dana Force, Business Administrator Eileen Cipriani, and graduates of the MY Work program — Aaric Bernard, Rhys Jones, Andrew Islas, Jan Carlos Bello‑Cardoso and Keyla Guevara — who helped shape the project. Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker joined Mayor Paige G. Cognetti, Parks Manager Sunita Samad, Council Member Patrick Flynn and Deputy City Planner Caleb Bakalyr on stage, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the facility.
Located at Weston Field, 982 Providence Road, the mini‑pitch will provide a dedicated space for youth leagues, school programs and community pick‑up games. Its opening marks the culmination of work completed on August 14, 2026, and signals a continued investment in recreation infrastructure that city leaders say will boost local engagement and economic activity.
Looking ahead
City officials envision the new pitch as a catalyst for further partnerships, from youth soccer clinics to cultural events that tie into the World Cup festivities. As the countdown to 2026 continues, Scranton’s role as a fan‑zone hub and a steward of the sport’s grassroots future remains at the forefront of its community development agenda.