Tyler Adams Focuses on Expanding Soccer with Mini-Pitches
Expanding soccer doesn’t always mean more grass fields. Tyler Adams, a U.S. men’s national team player, is enhancing the sport by creating mini-pitches nationwide. These fields are not traditional grass but blue hard courts.
Adams shared on NBC and Telemundo’s “My New Favorite Futbolista” that playing is possible with any surface as long as there’s a ball. Mini-pitches are similar to basketball courts in size and have permanent metal goals needing minimal maintenance.
When I think back to the idea of a mini-pitch, it’s so simple. It’s so easy to set up. It’s so easy to build,
Adams emphasized. These fields can significantly impact children, especially in places lacking recreational facilities. In particular, inner-city areas benefit as these mini-pitches provide a constructive after-school activity.
Adams, the first Black player to captain the USMNT at a FIFA World Cup in 2022, grew up in New York’s Hudson Valley. Now playing for AFC Bournemouth in England, he noted the greater availability of pitches in Europe compared to the U.S.
Data from OpenStreetMap reveals around 53,000 soccer pitches in the U.S., which means roughly 158 fields per million residents. Germany and France have 543 and 469 soccer pitches per million residents, respectively.
Here in Europe, it’s free to play at such a young age,
Adams explained. Kids easily access fields, playing until sunset, unlike the U.S., where sports like basketball, American football, and baseball dominate due to greater access.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation aims to install 1,000 mini-pitches in underserved areas by 2026. The Foundation notes that 70% of predominantly Black and Hispanic communities lack recreational facilities. A U.S. Soccer Federation study found 99% of respondents observed increased community activity, and 98% felt safer after installing a mini-pitch.
Adams sees soccer as a valuable game that broadens horizons through memories and cultural exposure. Mini-pitches have benefitted children, like Valentino from Detroit, who found new opportunities to play and make friends.
Adams is an ambassador for Black Star Soccer, started in 2021, to develop soccer within underserved and Black communities in America. Patrick Rose, Black Star Soccer’s property general manager, stated that Adams’ involvement inspires upcoming players.
You’re trying to inspire the next generation and the people that look like you, especially the kids that might face a few more obstacles along the way,
Adams added. He hopes mini-pitches will foster diversity in soccer, reflecting the diversity seen in the U.S. men’s national team during world competitions.
To catch episodes featuring Adams and other World Cup stars, listen to “My New Favorite Futbolista” available on various podcast platforms.