The Mini-Pitch Movement
How Mini-Pitches Are Growing Youth Soccer in America
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, but in many places across the country, kids don’t have access to play the sport. In order to grow the game of soccer, it needs to be more accessible. Over the past several years, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has been building mini-pitches in communities across the United States with the goal of 1,000 new mini-pitches by 2026. The aim of this project is to create safe places to play soccer in areas that are underserved, giving kids everywhere the chance to play.
What is a Mini-Pitch?
A mini-pitch is a smaller sized soccer field, with a customized hard surface, rather than grass or turf. Typically these pitches are typically fenced in, well-lit with professional lighting, and designed to be fully ADA-accessible. These courts are built for small-sided games, skill development, and everyday access. Kids don’t need to be registered with a club or pay a fee to use a mini-pitch, encouraging all kids to get outside and play soccer in their community.
The Goal & The Impact
As of early 2026, more than 800 mini-pitches have been built, primarily in underserved communities, giving 6.5 million children across the United States access to a safe place to play within half a mile of home, according to the U.S. Soccer Foundation. They also reported that 70% of mini-pitches are built in cities that are low on the childhood opportunity index and high in population density, meaning they are intentionally placed where access to recreational space is limited. For many families, this creates an opportunity to play soccer even when traditional club programs may not be affordable. The impact is measurable, with 69% of users stating mini-pitches have increased access to soccer in their community, and 66% reporting that their experience on a mini-pitch was their first exposure to soccer-based programming. These numbers show that mini-pitches are already making the game more accessible, affordable, and visible for everyone.
How Mini-Pitches Affect Player Development
There’s a clear developmental advantage to small-sided games. On a traditional full-size 11v11 or 9v9 field, some players have limited involvement. On a mini-pitch, games are often 3v3 or 4v4. Everyone touches the ball frequently and decisions have to be made quickly. Players operate in tight spaces that demand control, creativity, and awareness. This environment naturally increases repetitions and confidence. These skills often carry over and help players perform better on full-size fields.
What This Means For You
If you’re wondering whether there’s a mini-pitch near you, the U.S. Soccer Foundation makes it easy to find out. View their interactive map where you can enter your zip code and see all mini-pitch locations in your area. Most mini-pitches offer free open play hours where kids can drop in without registration, along with free or low-cost structured programming such as clinics, leagues, and skill sessions. Many locations even provide equipment, so families don’t need to worry about purchasing gear to get started. The environment is welcoming to all skill levels, whether your child is kicking a ball for the first time or already playing competitively.
If your neighborhood doesn’t have a mini-pitch yet, there is a pathway to getting one built near you. Schools, community organizations, and local leaders can partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and other supporters to make it happen. The process starts by identifying an available or underutilized space in the community and submitting a form. From there, if the funding is available, the foundation will reach out and bring more details about the project.
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