While looking for World Cup tickets online, Jackson Intermediate Coach Christopher Gonzalez saw a link for the "Safe Places to Play" initiative." The initiative immediately caught his interest because he knew the school met the program criteria.

The "Safe Places to Play'' Initiative, funded by the U.S.A. Soccer Foundation caters to various forms of giving back, but the Houston Soccer Initiative set a goal beyond simply keeping a couple of schools active. With 15 mini pitches opened on different educational grounds and districts, their impact has provided kids and families with places to play in their neighborhoods.

Mini pitches serve as safe community hubs, encouraging physical activity and providing more opportunities for play in areas with limited options. 

With an opportunity to see a new mini-pitch and implement more community inclusion and safety around Jackson, the entire experience was a moment like 'What are you waiting for? Apply,' said Gonzalez. "So, I did just that. 

From then on, he and Jackson Principal Jennifer Stewart connected with the U.S.A. Soccer Foundation Safe Place Associate Drew Dubé to see what could be done for Jackson Intermediate.

According to Gonzalez, Jackson wasn't initially selected to receive funding for a mini pitch; however, after a second donor came into the mix a few months later, the plans to change Jackson's landscape were again brought into conversation. 

Therefore, March 24, 2024, marked the day the grant for the mini soccer pitch and over $100,000 in funding was approved and construction began. "With only a few hiccups in the beginning, I could truly say the process has been seamless," said Coach Gonzalez, and from that point on, the desire to increase community awareness and allow more access to all avenues of soccer became evident.

For Jackson, the mini pitch serves as a space for soccer tournaments, P.E. incentives, pickleball games, and field day attractions. Further benefits include L.E.D. lights, comfortable benches, and, as an added bonus, the pitch sports the Houston Dynamo coloring concept.

More information is coming soon in the upcoming school year on available play time and the official grand opening for students, administrators, and community members to enjoy.