‘Build it and they will come’: Philadelphia Union builds soccer ‘field of dreams’ for kids in Hunting Park

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Kids in the city’s Hunting Park section are trading out their concrete playground for green grass and soccer goals. It’s all part of the Philadelphia Union Foundation’s Safe Spaces initiative, to build 26 fields in Philly by 2030.

Build it and they will come, said Luis Garcia, principal at Alexander K. McClure Elementary school on Hunting Park Avenue and Marshall Street, as he stood at the center of the school’s new miniature soccer pitch.

“We have our own ‘field of dreams’ here,” he said. “This used to be all concrete and to see this come to life after a two-year battle with a lot of planning just to give kids access to see what’s out there, it’s such a safe environment. They’re beyond excited.”

Alyssa Radu, executive director of the Philadelphia Union Foundation, explained that along with the help of 250 volunteers and newly painted murals, the goal is to improve the lives of kids through soccer in safe spaces.

“Try over there and just have fun. That’s not hard to teach kids,” she said. “We just need to create access and opportunity, a safe place to do that. That's what it’s all about.”

Garcia called it a gift to the entire community and the kids, and a badge of honor.

“It's a state-of-the-art facility. Why not us? We’re a school in the Hunting Park section and the push has been to make more than just a school but a beacon for the entire community,” he said.

The kids said they’re happy with it as well.

“I love the soccer field because we have open space,” said Jaden.

“Now we don’t have to be on the dirty floor. We can be here in this grass,” added Elizabeth.

Radu said the enclosed pitch has added a lot to the community, starting with safety.

“The gate keeps the ball rolling,” she said, “but obviously it’s an opportunity for the kids to be able to play safely and not worry about anything else going on around them.”