March 5 – Houston’s World Cup 2026 host committee has unveiled a legacy project that will see 23 football pitches either constructed or refurbished across six parks. All the pitches are located in underserved neighbourhoods.
The initiative, titled Freekicks Soccer, comes under the Grow the Game pillar of Impact Houston 26, the host committee’s legacy programme, and is designed to address the critical challenge of limited access to organiaed soccer for youth in underserved communities.
“Youth soccer in the U.S. is largely a pay-to-play sport, creating financial barriers for many families,” said Chris Canetti, president of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee.
“Freekicks Soccer is our commitment to breaking down those barriers, expanding access to the game, and inspiring the next generation of players across Houston. With 23 refurbished fields placed in areas of need, and five reputable clubs bringing organized soccer to these areas and offering scholarship opportunities to the nearby youth population, we are bridging the gap to provide more access to the game.”
The local youth clubs supporting this commitment include Albion Hurricanes F.C., Baytown Saints Youth Soccer Club, GFI Academy, HTX Soccer, and SG1. These clubs will collectively invest an estimated $1.5 million initially in the programme and provide more than 1,200 annual scholarships to boys and girls in underserved communities annually.
Houston’s professional clubs – Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash – played an advisory role in the planning and development of the programme.
“The Houston Dynamo and Dash believe that soccer in Houston should be something every child can access, regardless of where they live or their family’s means,” said Houston Dynamo FC President of Business Operations Jessica O’Neill.
“Hosting the FIFA World Cup is about more than matches—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy for our communities,” said Mayor John Whitmire.
“By partnering with Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia to renovate and operate soccer fields at Moody Park and Keith-Wiess Park, we’re making sure funding challenges don’t stand in the way of access. This collaboration opens the gates to more kids and families, expands opportunities to play the game, and ensures these fields are maintained and available for generations to come.”
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]