Officials with the FIFA World Cup 2026 Houston Host Committee announced in a news conference Feb. 27 a new initiative called Freekicks Soccer.
The program—in collaboration with the Houston Host Committee, the city of Houston, Harris County Precincts 1-4 and the youth soccer community—is designed to address the limited access to organized soccer for youth in underserved communities across Harris County.
What you need to know
The initiative will construct and refurbish 23 soccer pitches, or fields, across six parks in the county, including:
Blue Ridge Park: 13845 Blue Ridge Road, Houston
George Bush Park: 16756 Westheimer Parkway, Houston
Chris Canetti, president of the Houston Host Committee, said the construction and refurbishment of the fields will happen in a phased approach throughout 2026. However, specific timelines were unavailable.
About 23 soccer pitches across the four precincts in Harris County will see new or improved fields. (Courtesy Impact Houston 26)
More details
The Freekicks Initiative also includes bringing organized soccer to the six parks after renovations are completed.
The Houston Host Committee is collaborating with five different youth soccer clubs—Albion Hurricanes FC, Baytown Saints Youth Soccer Club, GFI Academy, HTX Soccer and SG1—to run operations at the six locations.
These clubs will collectively invest an estimated $1.5 million into the program, as well as provide 1,200 annual scholarships to boys and girls in underserved communities, according to a Feb. 27 news release.
Quote of note
Canetti said youth soccer is historically a pay-to-play sport, and he hopes that the Freekicks Soccer program will help eliminate some financial barriers for families.
“Freekicks Soccer is our commitment to breaking down those barriers, expanding access to the game and inspiring the next generation of players across Houston," he said. "With 23 refurbished fields placed in areas of need, and five reputable clubs bringing organized soccer to these areas and offering scholarship opportunities to the nearby youth population, we are bridging the gap to provide more access to the game.”
The Freekicks Soccer initiative is under the Grow the Game pillar of Impact Houston 26, the Houston Host Committee's legacy and community program.
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