NEWARK, N.J. (November 30, 2022) – The New York Red Bulls, Kean University and the U.S. Soccer Foundation unveiled a soccer mini-pitch yesterday at Peshine Avenue School in Newark, NJ. Since 2018, the New York Red Bulls have worked to increase safe-space access to play along with soccer-based programming.
Red Bulls players Ryan Meara, John Tolkin and Daniel Edelman joined students from Peshine Avenue School and soccer players from Kean University for yesterday’s unveiling celebrating the 17th mini-pitch opened in Newark Public Schools and the 21st overall in the Tri-State Area.
"One of our club's most important contributions to the community over the last four years has been the installation of mini-pitches and the platform of soccer-based programming for children in Newark Public Schools," said Joe Stetson, Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer, New York Red Bulls. "Providing safe environments for children to play the beautiful game remains a priority of our organization along with our dedicated partners including Kean University and U.S. Soccer Foundation."
In March of 2022, Kean University and the Red Bulls announced a partnership that provides the university’s students with experiential learning and career opportunities.
“I am thrilled that Kean University is partnering with the New York Red Bulls on the mini pitch at Peshine Avenue School in Newark,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “As New Jersey’s urban research university, and a state leader in education, it’s important that through our partnerships, Kean can help support students of all ages in the communities we serve.”
This mini-pitch also marks the latest development in the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s It’s Everyone’s Game national movement to ensure children in underserved communities can enjoy the health and youth development benefits of the game. To date, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed more than 500 mini-pitches nationwide. The goal is to install 1,000 by 2026.
“This is our eighth year installing mini-pitches in partnership with New York Red Bulls and our 17th mini-pitch with Newark Public Schools,” said Alex Bard, Senior Director of Safe Places to Play at the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “In those eight years, we’ve come to know what mini-pitches mean to the community of Newark and we’re so excited to see how the new pitch at Peshine Avenue School provides more opportunities for play.”
Each Mini-Pitch System™ modular sports solution includes state-of-the-art LED lighting technology, fencing, goals, lockable storage, and ADA-compliant access. On average, the lighted mini-pitches allow for nearly three additional hours of play in a day.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK RED BULLS
The New York Red Bulls are one of 28 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). RBNY, one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, have competed in the league since its founding in 1996. The Red Bulls play home matches at Red Bull Arena (RBA) in Harrison, New Jersey. The three-time MLS Supporters' Shield Winners are owned by the Austrian beverage company Red Bull for which the team is named. The New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation's premier youth soccer development programs, from local soccer partnerships across New York and New Jersey to Regional Development Schools and the Red Bulls Academy teams.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1855, Kean University is one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, with a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment serving more than 16,000 students. The University’s six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate degrees, seven doctoral degree programs, and more than 70 options for graduate study leading to master’s degrees, professional diplomas or certifications over a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River, Jefferson and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, Kean University furthers its mission by providing an affordable and accessible world-class education. Visit www.kean.edu.
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
