A bright Saturday morning in Cicero, Illinois, turned into a celebration of sport as Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the Major League Soccer Players Association unveiled a new mini-pitch at Drexel Elementary School. The compact, hard‑court surface, installed by Musco, marks the sixth Musco Mini-Pitch System™ to open nationwide, joining similar sites in Florida, New York, California, Georgia and Texas.
A Community Celebration on the Field
The event, part of a broader push to bring organized soccer to under‑resourced neighborhoods, offered local children a safe, community‑focused space to chase a ball for the first time. Parents, teachers and city officials gathered around as the ribbon was cut, signaling a new chapter for youth recreation in the area.
Brandon Ramirez, director of corporate social responsibility at Genesis Motor America, spoke about the company’s commitment to access and community. “When we invest in a place where kids can play, we’re investing in their health, their confidence and the fabric of the neighborhood,” he said.
Ed Foster Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of a simple field to spark dreams. “Creating welcoming spaces for kids to play is at the heart of our mission,” he remarked, as a group of youngsters took their first kicks on the freshly painted turf.
Dr. Aldo Calderin, superintendent of Cicero District 99, highlighted the timing of the opening, noting that excitement is building ahead of the upcoming World Cup. “This mini‑pitch not only adds a splash of color to our schoolyard, it also fuels anticipation for the global tournament that inspires so many,” he said.
The ceremony featured a ceremonial first kick, an inaugural scrimmage and the distribution of commemorative jerseys to participants, turning the day into a festive blend of sport and community pride.
Musco Mini-Pitch Systems are known for their customized, hard‑court surfaces that accommodate both organized programs and pick‑up games. The Cicero installation is part of the foundation’s Safe Places to Play initiative, which aims to install 1,000 mini‑pitches by 2026, with roughly 70 percent of them located in underserved communities that score low on the Child Opportunity Index.
Local leaders hope the new field will serve as a model for future collaborations, encouraging other districts to consider similar investments in youth sport.