Grant funded through Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s Legacy Initiative.
SCRANTON, PA. – The City of Scranton has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation through a partnership funded by Philadelphia Soccer 2026 to support the installation of a mini-pitch at Weston Field, 982 Providence Rd., Scranton. The grant is part of Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s, the nonprofit host committee responsible for planning and executing FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia, legacy initiative, a $2 million investment in youth soccer infrastructure and programming across the Commonwealth. The announcement of the new Weston Field attraction follows last month’s news that Scranton will host one of three Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones in conjunction with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ later this year.
“We’re spotlighting the world’s most popular sport in the City of Scranton,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “As we prepare to welcome thousands of fans to Courthouse Square to share in the spirit of the World Cup this July, we’re going to introduce soccer to new fans for years to come with this mini-pitch at Weston Field.”
“FIFA World Cup 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game where it matters most – in our communities,” said Melissa Piccoli, Chief External Affairs Officer of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to bring this mini-pitch to Scranton, giving young people in NEPA a safe, welcoming place to play and discover a sport with the power to change lives. This is exactly the kind of legacy we want to leave across Pennsylvania long after the last whistle.”
In an April 6 agreement, the U.S. Soccer Foundation approved the City’s application for a mini-pitch measuring 90 feet by 50 feet to be installed at Weston Field. As part of the agreement, the Foundation will present a minimum of one event per year over the next five years to help establish Scranton’s role in bringing soccer to our residents.
Work is expected to begin in May 2026, with installation of the mini-pitch planned for mid-June. Once completed, the mini-pitch is sure to become a destination for Scranton’s youth seeking new outdoor activities this summer and for visitors from around the globe as they explore Scranton and our World Cup Fan Zone experiences.
Mini-pitches are customized, hard-court surfaces that are suited for soccer programs, pick-up games, and more. Sites are well lit and are designed to be accessible to players of all abilities. This mini-pitch is part of Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s “26 for 26” legacy initiative to activate 26 soccer-related projects across the Commonwealth – from new mini-pitches to youth programming and a legacy endowment – ensuring FIFA World Cup 2026™ leaves a last impact in communities statewide. U.S. Soccer Foundation has committed to creating 1,000 mini-pitches across the country by the end of 2026. This agreement creates the first U.S. Soccer Foundation mini-pitch in NEPA, with the closest sites currently located in Allentown and at the Little League World Series Complex in Williamsport.
Weston Field’s location is ideal for the new mini-pitch. The site is within a safe walking distance from Scranton High School and the NEPA Youth Shelter. Additionally, the park underwent major improvements in 2025, including the installation of a new $3.6 million zero-entry pool complete with water spray features, as well as the $956,000 concrete skate park that opened in October. The mini-pitch will help create a safe space for new and experienced players to enjoy soccer and enhance the experience for 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, 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.
City of Scranton to install mini-pitch for Soccer Fans at Weston Field | Press Release
Last modified: April 13, 2026
