The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States, has awarded a $4,140 grant to the city of Maplewood to support increased access to soccer facilities and programs for youth in the Maplewood area, according to a press release.
Grants are awarded to eligible organizations that support youth programs and field-building initiatives in under-resourced communities. Seven awards were distributed this grant cycle as part of the Safe Places to Play program.
Maplewood Assistant Public Works Director Tiffany Davis said the funds will go towards the installation of an irrigation system for the field at Ryan Hummert Memorial Park that is used by the MRH school district, youth leagues and other groups for their soccer needs.
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The foundation strives to grow the game of soccer, as well as improve health outcomes for youth by awarding grants to non-profit organizations that provide children with the opportunity to play soccer, while delivering programming that promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Over the last two decades, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has helped create or improve hundreds of safe places for children nationwide, with projects including building new pitches, installing light fixtures and adding irrigation systems to fields in need. To date, the foundation has helped create or improve over 1,100 safe places for children nationwide.