Grant funded through Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s Legacy Initiative
SCRANTON, PA. – The City of Scranton celebrated the completion of its new mini-pitch at Weston Field, 982 Providence Rd., Scranton, on Fri., Aug. 14. The mini-pitch measures 90 feet by 50 feet and was made possible through a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation and its partnership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026.
Mini-pitches are customized, hard-court surfaces suited for soccer programs, pick-up games, and more. Sites are well lit and are designed to be accessible to players of all abilities. Scranton’s mini-pitch is part of Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s “26 for 26” legacy initiative to activate 26 soccer-related projects across the Commonwealth. This project has created the first U.S. Soccer Foundation mini-pitch in NEPA, with the next nearest sites in Allentown and Williamsport.
Scranton’s mini-pitch grant is part of Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s legacy initiative, a total $2 million investment in youth soccer infrastructure and programming across the Commonwealth and ensuring FIFA World Cup 2026 leaves a lasting impact in Pennsylvania. The new park attraction also follows a pair of weekends in July when Scranton hosted one of Pennsylvania’s three World Cup Fan Zones.
Weston Field’s location is ideal for the new mini-pitch given its proximity to Scranton High School and the NEPA Youth Shelter. Park improvements at Weston Field in just the last 14 months include the installation of a new $3.6 million zero-entry pool and the $956,000 concrete skate park. The mini-pitch will also create a safe space for new and experienced players to enjoy soccer and enhance the experience of those enjoying youth summer camps at Weston Field.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, fiscal discipline, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SOCCER 2026: Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is the operational Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ for the City of Philadelphia. Established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is governed by a fourteen-person Board of Directors that convenes leaders from across the City of Philadelphia and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, follow us on social media @FWC26Philly.
ABOUT THE U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION: As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Scranton Celebrates New Weston Field Mini Soccer Pitch | Press Release
Last modified: September 8, 2026
