Genesis and U.S. Soccer Foundation Inaugurate New Mini-Pitch in Georgia for Youth Engagement

New Mini-Pitch Opened in South Fulton, Georgia

On September 25, 2025, an exciting new facility for soccer enthusiasts was inaugurated in South Fulton, Georgia. The event celebrated the collaboration between Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA), marking a significant milestone in promoting youth sports in the area. This mini-pitch is the fourth installation of the innovative Musco Mini-Pitch Systems™ and is part of a crucial initiative to increase access to soccer for children in under-resourced communities.

The event commenced with a ceremonial first kick, which involved local children and coaches launching the inaugural soccer ball onto the newly installed pitch. The atmosphere was lively as families joined in, enjoying tasty offerings from local vendors. Young players received commemorative jerseys to commemorate the moment, adding a touch of pride to the event.

Brandon Ramirez, director of corporate social responsibility at Genesis Motor America, highlighted the importance of such investments, stating, "At Genesis, we recognize the power of investing in youth sports programs and the importance they have in children's growth and development." He emphasized that the collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation aims to create safe spaces for children to engage in soccer, enhancing their physical activities and teamwork skills.

Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, also spoke passionately about this project. "We're excited to partner with Genesis and MLSPA on another mini-pitch. This facility will significantly enhance access to soccer for young people, providing more opportunities for play and engagement with mentors in their communities."

The Musco Mini-Pitch System is specifically designed as a hard-court surface that caters to soccer programs and informal pick-up games. It serves as a community hub where physical activity is encouraged, fostering connections among children and their families. This initiative ties into the U.S. Soccer Foundation's broader mission, which includes the installation of over 800 mini-pitches across the country, with a target of reaching 1,000 by 2026.

The foundation's commitment to creating these safe spaces is particularly important, as 70% of mini-pitches are located in areas classified as having low childhood opportunity indexes and high population densities. This strategic placement aims to ensure that children from under-resourced backgrounds have access to safe and engaging recreational activities.

Bob Foose, executive director of the MLSPA, echoed these sentiments, relaying the pride felt in contributing to such an impactful project. He affirmed the commitment towards increasing access to soccer and enhancing community engagement across the nation.

One of the key elements of this initiative is Genesis Gives, the corporate social responsibility branch of Genesis Motor America. This program is committed to partnering with nonprofit organizations that focus on youth sports accessibility. Genesis has dedicated significant resources to support various projects, investing over $2 million since 2022 to promote physical activity and educational opportunities in under-resourced areas.

Ternard Turner, director of parks and recreation for the City of South Fulton, expressed gratitude for the collaboration, stating, "This investment not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also expands equitable access to safe recreational facilities, fostering youth development and promoting community health."

As excitement grows around the upcoming World Cup, the facility in South Fulton stands out as a vital resource for local children and families to come together, celebrate soccer, and develop a lasting love for the game.

For more information on the initiatives led by the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Genesis, you can visit their respective websites to learn about ongoing projects, community engagement, and how to get involved. Initiatives like this are crucial in transforming communities through sports, highlighting the power of collaboration to effect positive change in young lives.