FC Cincinnati and the FC Cincinnati Foundation unveiled its 12th mini pitch on April 23, opening the new soccer space at Riverside Park in Milford.
In 2019, FC Cincinnati and the FC Cincinnati Foundation set a goal of 10 mini pitches. That goal was achieved in 2023 with the opening of their mini pitch located at Lunken Playfield. Now, with their mini pitch counter up to 12, Kate Solomon, the Chief Youth and Community Officer for FC Cincinnati, opened the mini pitch unveiling ceremony with a new goal for the future.
“We initially committed to 10 mini pitches. Well, we doubled down and now have a commitment to at least 20,” said Solomon. “Everybody knows we have a big summer of soccer coming, so we’re making a legacy commitment here in the region, and you’ll see quite a few more pitches coming over the next calendar year.”
To celebrate the opening of the pitch, attendees marched down and chanted “Oh, FCC”, one of the chants belonging to The Pride. With the mini pitch located in Milford, home to Mercy Health Training Center, the turnout was one of the largest in the event’s history.
“Our fans are very loud here in Milford, so we had a brilliant opening. We’re really excited about this mini pitch. It’s Milford. It’s close to our heart with FC Cincinnati. The (Mercy Health) Training Center’s here. We’ve enjoyed some great times, and I believe this mini pitch is going to be an outstanding part of what we do,” said Dan McNally, Vice President of Soccer in the Community and Club Ambassador. “From what I’ve heard, this is the biggest opening we’ve done. Milford was excited. But I think it speaks to how popular the mini pitches have been over the last five years.”
The mini pitch was opened thanks to a partnership with Carl and Martha Lindner, the City of Milford and the Motz Group.
FC Cincinnati forwards Kenji Mboma Dem and Ayoub Jabbari were in attendance for the ceremony, signing autographs for fans afterwards. Along with Mboma Dem and Jabbari, former player Corben Bone, who is also FC Cincinnati’s current Director of Soccer in the Community and Club Ambassador, joined the action on the pitch for the inaugural game.
“I remember being on the streets when I was younger. So, it truly means a lot,” Mboma Dem said of the facilities opening and its impact. “Being able to get closer to them and then let them get closer to us, it’s just great for the kids.”
Each mini pitch offers scheduled programming through FC Cincinnati Foundation’s Soccer Unites. In 2024, 46 schools were provided programming in the Cincinnati area.
We’re in schools every day. We do clinics and soccer camps. We’re very active in the community,” said McNally. “Our club has always been about family, and we really value helping grow the game of soccer but also putting the youth of Cincinnati in a really safe, positive environment, and this is part of that.”
Mini pitches continue to be a key focus for FC Cincinnati and the FC Cincinnati Foundation, positively impacting over 100,00 kids in the Greater Cincinnati area every year. As the tally continues to grow, more mini pitches will serve as havens for youngsters who are looking for a safe place to grow their game.
See a map of the 12 pitches that FC Cincinnati and the FC Cincinnati Foundation have opened here.
About FC Cincinnati Foundation
FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than ourselves, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through our own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, we aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do our part to create an inclusive community.
FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning Is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance, and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.
