In an effort to eliminate recreational barriers and welcome the global soccer spirit to New Jersey, students and staff at KIPP Newark joined New jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and various civic leaders to officially dedicate a brand-new mini soccer pitch at the KIPP Upper Roseville and KIPP Purpose Academy K-8 campus.
Located at 300 North 13th Street, the new facility was built to directly combat local play-space shortages. A recent study designated the surrounding Newark neighborhood a “Soccer Desert,” citing a critical lack of available field infrastructure as the main obstacle preventing kids from picking up the sport.
The mini-pitch is one of 26 recreational spaces being established across the region by the FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host Committee and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Real estate firm Onyx Equities sponsored the installation as an official host city supporter.
The mini pitch will immediately handle physical education programming for more than 1,000 local K-8 students. It will also serve as the dedicated training ground and home field for the school’s very first middle school soccer team.
“This mini pitch will provide much-needed space for over 1,000 Newark kids and help us launch the most ambitious, free K-12 soccer program in America,” Ryan Hill, CEO of KIPP Newark said.
“This mini pitch opening represents an investment in our kids and our neighborhoods, creating a place where young people can stay active, build community, and experience the joy of the beautiful game,” Sherrill said. “I am so thrilled to bring the excitement of the World Cup directly to our communities, not just during the tournament but for years to come.”
The regional host committee emphasized that the impact of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup must extend beyond stadium turnstiles. Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee, reiterated that the organization is deeply committed to expanding soccer accessibility across local communities through long-term infrastructure.
Mayor Baraka noted that the facility ensures local youth are an active part of the global cultural moment arriving in their backyard. “As the world prepares to come to our region for the FIFA World Cup, Newark is ensuring that our children are not just spectators to that moment, but participants in the sport and culture it inspires,” he said.
Onyx Equities co-founder Jon Schultz highlighted the core life skills driven by expanded youth athletics, noting that sports cultivate leadership, team-building, and vital social growth. Onyx utilized the initiative to bring together several of its portfolio brands in celebration of the project, including its Vermella residential line, the Northeast Science & Technology Center (“NEST”) life sciences hub, and the Gateway Center in downtown Newark.
The dedication drew an extensive roster of local and state civic leaders, including State Senator Teresa Ruiz, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, County Clerk Juan Rivera, and Sheriff Amir Jones.
