Columbus Crew SC is set to unveil a new soccer mini-pitch at Linden Park (Linden Park, 1254 Briarwood Avenue, Columbus OH 43211) this Wednesday, May 25 at 3:30 p.m. ET. In partnership with the Black & Gold, the new mini-pitch located at Linden Park is part of a commitment made by adidas, MLS WORKS, Southern New Hampshire University and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 20 mini-pitches in underserved communities across North America. Each new mini-pitch will offer children in these communities a safe place to play, while providing a soccer environment that encourages unstructured play within local communities, supporting the continued growth of the game. Additionally, SNHU will award a full college scholarship to a deserving member of the local community as part of the dedication ceremony.
Following the official dedication, local youth from KIDS League and Crew SC players will participate in a small-sided match on the new pitch. Soccer for Success, the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s free afterschool program that uses soccer as a tool to combat children’s health issues and juvenile delinquency, will also be introduced to the community. Soccer for Success programming is scheduled to begin this Fall. Locally in Columbus, Soccer for Success is made possible by the Crew SC Foundation, which supports coach, player and referee development in underserved communities throughout Central Ohio.
The ceremony will include short remarks from:
Andrew J. Ginther - Mayor, City of Columbus
Andy Loughnane - President of Business Operations, Columbus Crew SC
Gregg Berhalter - Sporting Director and Head Coach, Columbus Crew SC
Steve Thiel - Director of Partnership Marketing, Southern New Hampshire University
Jaiza N. Page - City Council member and Chairperson, Columbus Recreation and Parks
Tony Collins - Director, Columbus Recreation and Parks
Alex Stec - Brand Journalist and Crew SC Sideline Reporter - Emcee
Special guests scheduled to appear include Crew SC players Chad Barson, Ethan Finlay, Hector Jimenez, Matt Pacifici and Captain Michael Parkhurst along with Crew SC executives.
