Visa, Street Soccer USA, and Bank of America Create Soccer Parks to Foster Community in the U.S.

New Soccer Parks Initiative Launched by Visa, Street Soccer USA, and Bank of America

In a significant move to promote community engagement through sports, Visa, Street Soccer USA (SSUSA), and Bank of America have come together to launch a groundbreaking initiative focused on expanding access to soccer across the United States. This partnership was officially announced at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in San Francisco, marking the opening of the first Visa Street Soccer Park.

Purpose of the Initiative

The collaborative effort aims to harness the unifying influence of soccer to create inclusive recreational spaces in urban areas, with the goal of fostering youth development and community cohesion. Lawrence Cann, Co-Founder and President of SSUSA, highlighted the mission's focus by stating, "This movement is about scale, sustainability, and impact. Alongside our partners, we are making a significant pass toward building a national network of parks that deliver real value—on and off the field."

Features of the Soccer Parks

The Visa Street Soccer Parks are designed not just for playing soccer, but as vibrant community hubs that engage with various social needs. Each park will contain two professional-grade fields sponsored by Bank of America. The locations are equipped with lighting for evening games, digital scoreboards, and learning centers, alongside seating areas for spectators and community events. The parks are not only about sports but will also support educational and professional development through various programs.

Expansion Plans

The inaugural park opened in San Francisco in June 2025, with further locations planned in Denver, Kansas City, New York City, Nashville, and Atlanta, each scheduled to open throughout the year. As we approach a pivotal year for soccer in the U.S., these parks will serve as vital platforms for community building and opportunity for local residents.

The Bigger Picture

"Through this partnership, we're creating more than soccer parks—we're building platforms for progress," remarked Kim Lawrence, President of North America at Visa. By merging sports with educational advancement and career opportunities, the partnership aims to create a profound impact on individuals and families across the communities.

David Tyrie, President of Marketing at Bank of America, echoed this sentiment, noting that these fields will not only host soccer games but also serve as spaces for imparting valuable life skills such as teamwork, goal-setting, and determination. He emphasized, "Sports bring communities together, and over the next few years, the entire world will come together for soccer in North America."

Community Engagement and Year-Round Activities

Each park is envisioned as a local hub for a variety of activities, catering to different audiences through year-round programs that include youth and adult leagues, after-school academic support, job readiness training, and other community engagement opportunities. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive network of resources and services that connect people through the sport and provide avenues for personal growth and community development.

By advancing access to soccer, this partnership wants to become a cornerstone of community support and development, creating lasting bonds between individuals and neighborhoods through the joy of sport. The Visa Street Soccer Parks are set to redefine not only how soccer is played in the U.S. but how communities can come together through shared goals.

In conclusion, Visa, Street Soccer USA, and Bank of America are not only creating soccer parks; they are igniting a movement that aspires to cultivate unity, empowerment, and progress, using the universal language of soccer as their vehicle. Citizens can look forward to a thriving network of sports parks as a hopeful vision for their communities in the coming years.