Target has announced a $14 million commitment to local youth soccer through two new national initiatives—an $8 million local soccer grant program, and a $6 million partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 100 new soccer play spaces by 2020. Three new soccer play spaces will be allocated for Chicago.
Over the next four years, Target will provide annual grants up to $1,000 to eligible schools, government agencies and nonprofits organizations on behalf of each of its stores and distribution centers, with a preference given to programs serving in-need communities. These grants will help cover player registration fees, field equipment and gear, and professional development for volunteer coaches. Applications are open now through Aug. 30—we’ll award the first round of grants in November 2017.
Target is also teaming up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build 100 new soccer play spaces across the U.S. by 2020. Together they will transform the landscape of underserved communities, turning play deserts into safe and accessible places to play and creating more opportunities for youth to get involved through after-school programs and organized sports. Check out an example of what a play space might look like: