DALLAS (December 18, 2025) – The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, in partnership with The National Soccer Roots, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and The City of Lake Dallas, today unveiled its first mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park. The donation of the mini-pitch is the first of six during the first phase that is planned across North Texas before, during and after FIFA World Cup 2026™ as part of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee’s Legacy initiatives. The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee has plans to create five additional mini-pitches spread across Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Garland.
Lake Dallas City leaders, partners and community members gathered today to celebrate the unveiling of the mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park, which also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the “first kick” on the mini-pitch with local participating youth.
“It’s such an honor to partner with The City of Lake Dallas, The National Soccer Roots and the U.S. Soccer Foundation and commemorate a special day for the youth of North Texas with the unveiling of our first mini-pitch,” said Monica Paul, President of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee. “Through our legacy and fundraising initiatives during and after FIFA World Cup 2026, we are aiming to create additional mini-pitches spread across the North Texas region to bring the sport of soccer to underserved youth in our local communities.”
The Lake Dallas City Park mini-pitch will provide local children and families a high-quality facility and space to equal soccer and play for all youth in the surrounding area.
“The unveiling of this mini-pitch at Lake Dallas City Park is a proud moment for our city and a meaningful investment in our young people,” said Kristy Bleau, Mayor of Lake Dallas. “By partnering with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, The National Soccer Roots and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we are creating a welcoming space that promotes health, teamwork and opportunity for our families. This mini-pitch represents more than a place to play – it reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more connected community for generations to come.”
“We are thrilled to welcome the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee and this incredible legacy project to our community, as the launch of this mini-pitch represents far more than a field,” said Bobbie Mitchell, Denton County Commissioner. “It is an investment in our youth, our neighborhoods, and the future of soccer in North Texas. We are proud to partner in an effort that will inspire young people and serve our youth for generations to come. This project reflects the power of partnership and the lasting impact we can create when we invest in our children, our families, and the joy of the game. We are excited for what this means for Lake Dallas and all of North Texas.”
A mini-pitch is a hard-surface soccer court, roughly a quarter of the size of a regulation-sized soccer field, designed for small-sided matches and informal pick-up games, usually enclosed by fencing or low barriers. Mini-pitches serve as vibrant gathering spaces, are typically open to community access and are usually owned and maintained by schools, parks or nonprofits while providing equity in play that eliminates barriers of cost and travel for families.
“Soccer isn’t just a game – it’s a bridge. A ball builds futures, and a pitch builds unity,” said Jim Wagner, President / Co-Founder, The National Soccer Roots. “It’s an honor to partner on this mini-pitch with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and The City of Lake Dallas who all share our vision of championing initiatives that prioritize human rights, inclusivity and youth development that will lay the groundwork for organizations like ours to thrive.”
“This mini-pitch represents the heart of our mission – to ensure every child has a place to play and grow through the game of soccer, and a place to connect with a caring and trained coach-mentor,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We’re honored to partner with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, The National Soccer Roots, The City of Lake Dallas to ensure the tournament has a positive impact for generations to come across the region.”
The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee is actively raising funds for multiple mini-pitches to be built across the region. Mini-pitches will carry the legacy of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, embedding its impact into the fabric of North Texas communities for decades to come. Each pitch creates a “Soccer For All” space that encourages movement, builds friendships and offers every child a safe place to play and grow. These lasting spaces stand as visible tributes to the partners, donors and sponsors whose support make this legacy possible.
For more information to help sponsor a mini-pitch with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, please visit https://www.dallasfwc26.com/legacy/.
About The City of Lake Dallas
Originally called French Settlement in 1852, after the family named French who settled there, the community was formally constituted Garza in 1881 along the railways. In the late 1920’s with the creation of Lake Dallas, the town renamed their community Lake Dallas. The lake, now a branch in the Lewisville Lake Reservoir, may be gone, but the resilient and diverse community remains 173 years after its founding.
About The National Soccer Roots
The National Soccer Roots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating a deep love for soccer across all communities. Founded on the belief that soccer has the power to unite, inspire, and empower individuals, our organization strives to create a world where everyone can experience the joy and camaraderie of the beautiful game.
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is the national leader in sports-based youth development, providing underserved communities with access to safe play spaces and evidence-based programs that foster well-being and opportunity. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. Learn more at ussoccerfoundation.org.
About The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee
The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee is the official entity responsible for planning and delivering the FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience in North Texas. As one of the tournament’s key host cities, Dallas will welcome teams and fans from around the world, hosting nine matches at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, the International Broadcast Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, and a multi-week Fan Festival at Fair Park. The Official World Cup 2026™ Dallas Host City Supporters are Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and Choctaw Casinos & Resorts – who will both play key roles in supporting community and Legacy initiatives aligned with the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee.
