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SAFE
SPACES
MORE THAN A FIELD.
A SAFE PLACE TO PLAY.
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ABOUT SAFE SPACES
SAFE SPACES PROVIDES YOUTH WITH ACCESS TO SOCCER, SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITY
The Philadelphia Union Foundation’s Safe Spaces initiative is dedicated to expanding access to soccer by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant mini-pitches where children and communities can come together to play, connect, and grow. Since 2012, the Foundation has partnered with organizations across Philadelphia to create welcoming spaces that encourage physical activity, build community, and make the game more accessible to all. Through continued partnerships and new mini-pitch installations, we are helping create lasting opportunities for the next generation, one field at a time.
THE TRANSFORMATION
See how Safe Spaces has turned underutilized areas into vibrant, community-centered mini-pitches.
7th & Penn
Chester, PA
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At 7th & Penn Streets, the Philadelphia Union Foundation partnered with love.fútbol to revitalize a community sports space with multi-sport courts and fields for soccer, basketball, and community programming. Chester is home for us, and with only 44% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park, opening this space in our own city carries special meaning. Designed alongside local residents, the site gives young people a safe place to play, build friendships, and grow, and it serves as a training home for Chester Union Soccer Club players. The project marks love.fútbol’s first community space built with a Major League Soccer club foundation, and we’re proud it happened right here in Chester.
Tehran Freeman
We were so excited to work with Chester local artist Tehran “Ran” Freeman to bring the artwork and painting for the 7th & Penn courts to life. His work celebrates Chester’s identity, resilience, and community pride and is now permanently showcased as part of the Chester community, leaving a lasting mark on a space where local youth can connect and grow through soccer.
Penrose Elementary School
Philadelphia, PA
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Our Partnerships
Through our collaboration with LoveFútbol, the Philadelphia Union Foundation is committed to expanding access to soccer by supporting the development of community mini-pitches that bring people together and create lasting opportunities for play.
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