BOSTON – Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu joined the Boston Housing Authority, Visa, Bank of America, Street Soccer USA, and Soccer Unity Project to celebrate the grand opening of Visa Street Soccer Park Boston. The park includes two side-by-side mini soccer pitches, a learning center and flexible spaces for events, transforming an everyday space into a central hub for gameplay, connection, and community pride.

"As Boston welcomes the world for the FIFA World Cup, we're also creating lasting opportunities for the young people and families who call our neighborhoods home,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Visa Street Soccer Park Boston will be more than a place to play—it's a space where young people can build confidence, develop new skills, and form connections that strengthen community. I'm grateful to our local partners and community organizations for helping create a lasting investment in Boston's future."
 

The grand opening event included an inaugural youth match with players competing on the Bank of America Fields, as well as soccer skills clinics and open field play for local youth.

“Access to play has always been at the center of what we do. This park creates a space where young people can show up, build confidence and be part of something bigger than themselves,” said Lawrence Cann, co-founder of Street Soccer USA. “Through consistent park programming, we’re working with local partners to make sure this space is active and inclusive, while providing a safe space for the community it was built to serve.”

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to play and builds on the broader momentum around soccer investment and youth engagement in Boston tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The installation of Visa Street Soccer Park Boston is a legacy investment focused on access, equity, and community activation. The project is funded by Visa and Bank of America, with Street Soccer USA serving as the lead program partner and Soccer Unity Project as the local program partner.



“This program represents our commitment to uplifting communities through the unifying power of sport,” said Kim Lawrence, Regional President, North America at Visa. “Together with local partners and organizations rooted in the community, we’re helping create spaces and programming that expand access to play and provide opportunities for young people to connect, develop and grow.”

“Boston is a sports town, and we’ve seen time and again how the power of sport brings communities together and creates lasting impact,” said Miceal Chamberlain, Bank of America Massachusetts President. “We’re proud to support initiatives that deliver lasting impact, and by expanding access to the game right here in our neighborhoods, we’re helping the next generation build confidence, connections, and a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the field.”

Together with Street Soccer USA and Soccer Unity Project, the Boston Housing Authority, the West Broadway Task Force, and community partners are working to ensure programing serves the Boston Housing Authority community throughout the summer and in the years to come. Soccer Unity Project and its coaches are providing free soccer programming this summer for Boston youth, in partnership with local community organizations, Massachusetts Youth Soccer, and Boston Housing Authority.

“Working to bring fun and empowering programming to our residents goes hand in hand with the investments we make in our buildings and physical infrastructure,” said Kenzie Bok, Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority. “The Boston Housing Authority could not be happier that Visa Street Soccer Park Boston will be within our West Broadway and West Broadway Homes communities, and we are grateful to Visa, Bank of America, Street Soccer USA, and Soccer Unity Project for their partnership. Thank you to our West Broadway Task Force for their leadership, and I look forward to seeing BHA and South Boston residents of all ages playing soccer and building community here for years to come.”



“As Boston prepares to welcome the world through the FIFA World Cup, Visa and Bank of America’s investment is helping create a lasting legacy for the next generation,” said Caroline Foscato, President and Founder, Soccer Unity Project. “Soccer Unity Project is so honored to partner with the Boston Housing Authority and Street Soccer USA to create access to the game for youth who have historically lacked opportunities to play, and utilize the Visa Soccer Park as a hub for connection, opportunity, and growth. Beyond the field, through our workforce program, it will help develop future leaders, mentors, and junior coaches from within the community itself.”

The program has an opportunity to grow and adapt to the needs of the community, ensuring the benefits of this space are felt by Boston residents, especially youth and young adults. Future programming will include opportunities for young adult BHA residents to serve as junior coaches.

The project is funded by Visa and Bank of America, with Street Soccer USA serving as the lead program partner and the Soccer Unity Project as the local program partner. Ongoing maintenance and operations is fully supported by Street Soccer USA and their funding partners.