FC Cincinnati Foundation announced the launch of its new Soccer Field Grant Program, a community investment initiative designed to help organizations build mini pitches that expand access to the game throughout Greater Cincinnati.
The program, launched in partnership with The Motz Group, builds upon FC Cincinnati Foundation's longstanding commitment to improving children's lives through soccer. Applications are now open for eligible organizations seeking funding support for projects that create safe, accessible spaces for children and families to play, learn and gather.
To celebrate the launch, FC Cincinnati Foundation hosted a community event at its Newport Mini Pitch on Tuesday, October 13, highlighting the impact mini pitches have made throughout the region and the opportunity to bring similar projects to even more neighborhoods.
Mini pitches and small-sided soccer fields have been a cornerstone of the Foundation's efforts to increase access to soccer and create safe places for children to participate in the sport. To date, FC Cincinnati Foundation has opened 15 mini pitches across the community, helping thousands of children engage with the game while providing community gathering spaces that encourage physical activity, learning and connection.
Through the new Soccer Field Grant Program, FC Cincinnati Foundation and The Motz Group will empower schools, nonprofits, municipalities and community organizations to advance that mission by developing their own mini pitch and soccer field projects.
“Soccer has the power to bring people together, strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people to thrive,” said Kate Solomon, Chief Youth & Community Officer and Executive Director of FC Cincinnati Foundation. “Over the past several years, we've seen firsthand how mini pitches can transform neighborhoods by providing safe, welcoming spaces where children can play, learn and build relationships. Through this new grant program, we're excited to partner with organizations across our region to bring those opportunities to even more communities.”
Since its founding, FC Cincinnati Foundation has used soccer as a vehicle to positively impact children throughout the region. The Soccer Field Grant Program represents the next phase of that commitment by extending support beyond Foundation-led projects and enabling community partners to help grow the game at the grassroots level.
Organizations interested in learning more about the Soccer Field Grant Program and application requirements can visit the Foundation's grant program webpage.
About FC Cincinnati Foundation
FC Cincinnati Foundation is committed to improving children's lives through soccer. Through innovative programming, community partnerships and investments in access to the game, the Foundation provides opportunities for children throughout Greater Cincinnati to learn, play and thrive both on and off the field.
About FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is a Major League Soccer team playing at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The club’s diverse ownership group is led by controlling owner Carl H. Lindner III; as well as managing owners Meg Whitman and Dr. Griff Harsh; Scott Farmer; and George Joseph. Founded in 2015 by Lindner and President & Co-CEO Jeff Berding, FCC began play in the United Soccer League (USL) in 2016. The club won the 2018 USL Regular-Season Championship and earned postseason berths in all three of its USL seasons. In 2017, FC Cincinnati also advanced to the semifinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a run that included victories over two MLS squads. FC Cincinnati entered MLS as the 24th team in 2019 and opened the club’s 26,000-seat soccer-specific TQL Stadium in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati in 2021. FCC won the 2023 Supporters’ Shield – the annual award given to the team with the most points in the regular season – and clinched a spot in the 2025 MLS Playoffs for the fourth straight year.
