#United States #Genesis Motor #U.S. Soccer #Cicero #MLS Players

Genesis, U.S. Soccer Foundation, and MLSPA Unveil New Mini-Pitch in Illinois

On June 3, 2026, a new mini-pitch was inaugurated at Drexel Elementary School in Cicero, Illinois, through the collaborative efforts of Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA). This initiative is designed to promote youth sports by providing a safe, community-focused environment where local children can engage in soccer activities.

The newly constructed Musco Mini-Pitch System™ represents the sixth installation of its kind across the nation, following similar projects in states like Florida, New York, California, Georgia, and Texas. Brandon Ramirez, the director of corporate social responsibility at Genesis Motor America, emphasized the importance of access to sports and community connection: "Access and community go hand in hand. We're honored to continue our partnership with U.S. Soccer Foundation to bring this shared space to Cicero where children can connect with one another and enjoy the game of soccer."

The grand opening was a vibrant community event, complete with a ceremonial first kick and a fun inaugural scrimmage featuring youth participants. To commemorate the occasion, children were gifted jerseys and took part in various soccer-themed games throughout the day. Ed Foster Simeon, the president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, shared his excitement, stating, "Creating welcoming spaces where kids can play can open the door to new opportunities. We're proud to partner again with Genesis and the MLSPA to bring a new mini-pitch to Cicero. Together, we're working to ensure that soccer—and all of its lifelong benefits—are accessible to kids in under-resourced neighborhoods."

The Musco Mini-Pitch Systems are specifically designed with hard surfaces suitable for soccer, transforming previously underutilized spaces into valuable community assets. The initiative is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Safe Places to Play program, which has successfully installed over 850 mini-pitches nationwide and aims to reach 1,000 by 2026. Notably, around 70% of these installations are situated in underserved communities, providing opportunities to approximately 10,000 children each.

Dr. Aldo Calderin, the superintendent of Cicero District 99, noted the significance of these installations within the community’s educational framework: "The installation of the mini-pitch celebrates the Board of Education's commitment to our community and helps bring excitement and anticipation for the upcoming World Cup. It also creates an amazing opportunity for our students to have one of the very few mini-pitches in the U.S. right here in their own playground to play in and practice the game they love."

Genesis's initiative is rooted in its broader mission of enhancing access to youth sports, which is a core value within its corporate social responsibility program, Genesis Gives. The foundation believes in fostering environments where children can participate in physical activities, which in turn supports their overall well-being while helping them cultivate essential life skills like confidence, resilience, and teamwork.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation, a leading organization in promoting sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, aims to leverage soccer as a powerful tool for transformation. Having originated as a legacy from the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the foundation focuses on providing underserved communities with access to innovative play spaces and structured soccer programs. With a dedicated mission to instill hope and promote well-being, they continue to drive initiatives that enable youth to achieve their highest potential.

The MLSPA represents the collective interests of MLS players, focusing on their rights and welfare since its establishment in 2003. Through its initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Genesis, the MLSPA amplifies the voices of players while fostering community engagement through sports.

Genesis, as a prominent automotive brand, strives to uphold the highest design and performance standards while lessening its environmental impact. Through Genesis Gives, the company has allocated over $2 million since 2022 to support community-focused programs across the U.S., emphasizing the importance of accessible sports and educational resources for youth in underprivileged communities.

As we celebrate this new mini-pitch, the partnership among Genesis, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the MLSPA is a testament to the positive impact that coordinated efforts can achieve in expanding opportunities for youth and enriching their lives through sports.