FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee Unveils Historic-In-Breadth Grow the Game legacy initiative

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee today unveiled FREEKICKS Soccer, a transformative new initiative launched under the Grow the Game pillar of Impact Houston 26, the Host Committee’s legacy program. FREEKICKS Soccer is an unprecedented, collaborative effort between the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee, the City of Houston and Harris County Precincts 1-4, and the youth soccer community. It reflects the stewardship of Mayor John Whitmire, Commissioners Rodney Ellis, Adrian Garcia, Tom Ramsey and Lesley Briones, along with meaningful commitments from five private local youth soccer clubs.

Impact Houston 26, created in partnership between the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee and the Sports Authority Foundation, is built on three core pillars: Growing the Game, Defending Human Rights, and Protecting the Environment, with initiatives being developed and implemented under each. FREEKICKS Soccer represents the flagship initiative of the Grow the Game pillar, designed to address a critical challenge: limited access to organized soccer for youth in underserved communities.

The initiative will construct and refurbish 23 soccer pitches across six parks: Harris County at Blue Ridge Park, George Bush Park, Moody Park, Alabonson Park, Baytown Soccer Complex and Keith-Wiess Park. Additionally, the City of Houston, under the guidance of Mayor John Whitmire, transferred operations of Moody Park and Keith-Wiess Park to Harris County Precinct 2 to ensure equitable access to quality fields across the county. These fields are strategically located in underserved neighborhoods.

Among key stakeholders and contributors, Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash played a key advisory role in the planning and development of FREEKICKS Soccer, lending the organization’s professional expertise and deep roots in the local soccer community to help shape Grow the Game initiatives.

“The Houston Dynamo and Dash believe that soccer in Houston should be something every child can access, regardless of where they live or their family’s means,” said Houston Dynamo FC President of Business Operations Jessica O’Neill. “We are a proud collaborator with the Host Committee as we continue to broaden access to soccer across our city and ensure the impact of the FIFA World Cup is felt far beyond 2026. Our collaboration with Impact Houston 26’s Grow the Game initiatives aligns our shared vision of investing in communities and creating access for all.”

The coinciding element of FREEKICKS Soccer is bringing organized soccer to these parks. To accomplish this, the Host Committee is collaborating with the area’s top youth soccer clubs, who will run operations at these locations, bringing organized soccer to the underserved neighborhoods. The local youth soccer clubs supporting this commitment include Albion Hurricanes F.C., Baytown Saints Youth Soccer Club, GFI Academy, HTX Soccer, and SG1. These clubs will collectively invest an estimated $1.5 million initially in the program and provide more than 1,200 annual scholarships to boys and girls in underserved communities annually.

“Hosting the FIFA World Cup is about more than matches—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy for our communities,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “By partnering with Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia to renovate and operate soccer fields at Moody Park and Keith-Wiess Park, we’re making sure funding challenges don’t stand in the way of access. This collaboration opens the gates to more kids and families, expands opportunities to play the game, and ensures these fields are maintained and available for generations to come.”

“In Precinct 1, we are proud to invest in Alabonson Park and Blue Ridge Park,” said Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Precinct 1. “Our FREEKICKS Soccer investments will give children from all backgrounds access to world-class fields, connecting our local communities to the world’s most popular sport.”

“Moody Park is a cornerstone of our community, and by making it part of Impact Houston 26, we are creating a lasting gift for our kids. Soccer teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience, and this program ensures every child has access to those opportunities.” Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

“Youth soccer in the U.S. is largely a pay-to-play sport, creating financial barriers for many families,” said Chris Canetti, President of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee. “FREEKICKS Soccer is our commitment to breaking down those barriers, expanding access to the game, and inspiring the next generation of players across Houston. 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.”

“Soccer has the power to unite families and neighborhoods,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Precinct 3. “By improving Baytown Soccer Complex, we’re ensuring that kids in our precinct not only have safe places to play but also feel part of something global.”

“Our FREEKICKS Soccer commitment in George Bush Park ensures equity in access to sport and recreation,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4. “These fields will serve as a launchpad for our youth, creating opportunities for fun, growth, and connection that last far beyond the FIFA World Cup.”