Houston partners with U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 30 mini-pitches throughout region, 'add more soccer youth programming'

City officials recently announced that they have partnered with the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee to build 30 mini-pitches throughout the city, along with funding a youth soccer program.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the move will help the global sport thrive in the nation’s fourth largest city.  

"Proud to join the CEO & President of U.S. Soccer Foundation along with @Hou2026WorldCup for a news conference announcing an initiative to raise $6 million and build 30 mini-pitches in #Houston and add more soccer youth programming."

The $6 million legacy initiative is intended to help underserved communities in Houston have access to the sport, according to Inside World Football.  

New Houston Dynamo FC owner Ted Segal, along with Houston Dynamo minority owner Ben Guill and former Dynamo and Dash minority owner Jake Silverstein, have raised roughly $1.5 million for the initiative.

“Soccer is a dynamic, fast-paced sport with a global audience, and it makes sense to increase access for young people in the nation’s fourth-largest and most diverse city. The program will provide young people in underserved communities with innovative spaces to play, boost their confidence and promote a healthy lifestyle,” Turner said.

Guill and Silverstein will be partnering with former U.S. and Houston Dynamo star DaMarcus Beasley to develop 15 mini-pitches within the next three years.