Field of dreams: Soccer star builds field at hometown school in Virginia
by Elaina Finkelstein/ABC7 Wednesday, October 11th 2017
After a career of representing the United States on fields across the world, soccer star Clarence Goodson’s inspiration was to bring kids a safe place to play the sport they love.
On September 18th the Clarence E. Goodson IV mini-pitch opened at North Springfield Elementary school with the help of the U.S Soccer Foundation – an organization that builds soccer fields for children in underserved communities.
The Foundation describes mini-pitches as small, customized areas suited for soccer programs and pick-up games that intend to transform neighborhoods across the country.
“Now, with two kids of my own, I understand the importance of all kids having a safe place to play. A place to explore. A place to challenge yourself. A place to belong. I saw what was left of the field and I was reminded of my conversations about the mini-pitches. A transformed field has the power to transform not only play space, but also the community the field serves,” Goodson explained in his blog post about the newly developed mini-pitch.
Goodson was invited to a U.S Soccer Foundation event in 2015 where he learned about the Safe Places To Play initiative that transforms spaces into safe mini-pitch fields for children to play soccer and outdoor sports.
“At the event, I loved hearing about the stories of kids coming together in neighborhoods across the country to play soccer on the mini-pitches. It reminded me of playing as a kid in the street with my friends and neighbors.” Goodson explains.
With more than 400 fields created across the country, the U.S Soccer Foundation serves to build and enhance fields nationwide.
Noticing that there was a need for more soccer fields in his hometown of North Springfield, he wanted to give back to the place where his playing began.
“When I first heard about the mini-pitch project all I could think about was how can I get involved and build a pitch in my hometown,” Goodson told ABC7.
“I hope that Clarence E. Goodson IV mini-pitch will become a place where the community gathers. Where children will want to celebrate their birthdays. Where children will dare to dream and feel the freedom to express themselves. I love the game of soccer.” Goodson told us. “It has taught me many life lessons. It has given me so much joy. I hope the next generations will come to love the game the way I have.”
In addition to the field built in North Springfield, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has built Safe Places To Play in Prince William County, Washington D.C., and Baltimore.
