COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids, in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target, today unveiled a new mini-pitch at Wyatt Academy K-5 Community School in the Cole neighborhood of Denver.
“This is a great day for the kids in the Cole community,” said Caitlin Kinser, Colorado Rapids Sr. Director of Community Relations & Youth Programming. “We’re very grateful to the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target for all their support to make this possible. These mini-pitches have a tremendous impact in their communities and we’re excited to see them continue to grow.”
This is the second mini-pitch the Rapids have installed with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and other partners that provides underserved communities in the Denver metro area with a safe place to play soccer. It is also one of seven mini-pitches that Target and the U.S. Soccer Foundation recently completed in the greater Denver area as part of their larger partnership to create 100 mini-pitches nationwide. Due to safety precautions surrounding COVID-19, the mini-pitch was unveiled virtually on ColoradoRapids.com.
“At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we are focused on creating access and opportunity to play our game in underserved communities across the nation, and to use the game as a way to improve health and youth development outcomes among children,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Our hope is that these seven new mini-pitches across the Denver community will not only create more engaged soccer players and Rapids fans, but also more engaged and productive citizens. And it’s thanks to our friends at Target that we can help fulfill this need for mini-pitches, a great love for soccer, and strong community connections.”
“Target is excited to make soccer more accessible to kids in Denver, helping bring moments of joy to the community through our partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the Colorado Rapids,” said Mark Everett, Vice President at Target. “We’re proud to help create 100 new soccer mini-pitches across the country to provide safe places to play and give more kids the opportunity to get involved in the game.”
The Rapids also installed a mini-pitch at the Suncor Boys & Girls Club in Commerce City as part of the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Several Rapids players, including current defender Drew Moor, were on hand to host a Futsal clinic for kids.
