September 20, 2024 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
Racing Louisville FC News Release
Louisville now has more access to soccer thanks to a freshly completed project spearheaded by the LouCity & Racing Foundation, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Louisville Parks and Recreation.
The three organizations, with funding from the Kentucky Association of Health Plans, teamed up to create a soccer mini-pitch at Russell Lee Park, the recreational space beside the Southwick Community Center in Louisville’s Park Duvalle neighborhood. Mini-pitches are customized, hard-court surfaces suited for soccer programs and pick-up games, and they can serve as community hubs, encourage physical activity and provide more opportunities for play.
Louisville Parks and Recreation will host the mini-pitch opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday, with an opportunity for youth to play on the surface.
Sunday Media Opportunity
Mini-Pitch Ribbon Cutting and Opening Ceremony
Who: Deputy Mayor Nicole George, LouCity & Racing Foundation, Louisville Parks and Recreation
Where: Russell Lee Park (3701 Southern Avenue) next to the Southwick Community Center
When: 11 a.m. Sunday
“First, I want to show my appreciation to the Kentucky Association of Health Plans for their generous donation to support this opportunity,” said George Davis, the interim executive director of the LouCity & Racing Foundation. “We have witnessed firsthand the growth of soccer in this community and look forward to building on that interest. Our goals are to provide access to the sport and everything that comes with it. The programs and soccer clubs will benefit greatly, but I am most excited to see how the youth in this area create their own experiences and maximize this space.”
“This is an incredible public-private partnership that shows how, when we come together, we can create opportunities for safer and healthier neighborhoods,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. “I can’t wait to see lots of children, families and adult pick-up leagues enjoying this new space.”
“Louisville Parks and Recreation is always looking to cater to the current recreational interests of our community,” said Michelle King, the executive director of Louisville Parks and Recreation. “This brand new mini-pitch brings an exciting opportunity for people who enjoy playing soccer to have easy and safe space to play pick-up games while being introduced to new programming. We are so grateful for our partnerships with the LouCity & Racing Foundation and U.S….