GROW THE GAME
EXPANDING ACCESS.
BREAKING BARRIERS.
In partnership with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee and the Sports Authority Foundation, the Grow the Game pillar was created to address the lack of access to soccer in underserved communities.
​
Across the United States, youth soccer largely operates under a pay-to-play model, placing organized participation out of reach for many families. In the Houston–Harris County region, most club-level opportunities are concentrated in suburban areas, creating both financial and geographic barriers that have historically limited access to the game.
​
Grow the Game was created to change that reality.
​
Soccer belongs to everyone. In Houston, we are building a legacy that reflects that belief, and ensuring opportunity is not defined by zip code. Working alongside the City of Houston, Harris County Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4, and the local youth soccer community, we are expanding access by bringing the world's game directly into the neighborhoods that need it most.
FREEKICKS SOCCER
In partnership with five of the region's leading youth soccer clubs — Albion, Baytown Saints, GFI Academy, HTX, and SG1 — the initiative will deliver organized club programming at each of the six park locations. Collectively, these clubs will invest nearly $1.5 million annually into programming and provide approximately 1,200 scholarship opportunities each year for youth from surrounding neighborhoods.
​
By combining high-quality fields with structured programming and scholarship support, FREEKICKS removes both financial and geographic barriers that have historically limited access to organized soccer.
​
This is how we Grow the Game, not just by expanding participation but by creating pathways from first touches to long-term development and ensuring the benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ extend well beyond the tournament.
WHAT FREEKICKS SOCCER DELIVERS
1,200+ SCHOLARSHIPS
Annual scholarships provided through club partnerships to remove
pay-to-play barriers.
PARTNERSHIP
A collaborative effort between the Host Committee, City of Houston, Harris County Precincts 1, 2 ,3, and 4, and the local youth soccer community.
23 PITCHES
Twenty-three new or refurbished fields placed in underserved communities across Harris County to expand equitable access to the game.
$1.5 MILLION INVESTMENT
Initial investment by the youth soccer clubs supporting programming.
SERVING COMMUNITIES ACROSS HOUSTON
ALABONSON
PARK
A 50-acre youth sports complex located along White Oak Bayou. The park will receive three new soccer fields and serve as a FREEKICKS site in partnership with Albion Hurricanes F.C.
BAYTOWN SOCCER COMPLEX
A premier youth soccer destination serving East Harris County. The complex will receive eight new fields in partnership with Baytown Saints Youth Soccer Club.
BLUE RIDGE
PARK
A 296-acre regional sports complex with existing youth soccer facilities. The park will receive two new fields and operate as a FREEKICKS site in partnership with HTX Soccer.
GEORGE BUSH PARK
A 7,800-acre park within the Baker Reservoir featuring expansive recreation space. The park will receive four new soccer fields and operate as a FREEKICKS site in partnership with SG1.
KEITH-WIESS PARK
A 500-acre community park with trails, athletic fields, and open space. The complex will receive four new soccer fields and operate as a FREEKICKS site in partnership with HTX Soccer.
MOODY
PARK
A historic North Houston park offering athletic fields and community amenities. The park will receive two new soccer fields and operate as a FREEKICKS site in partnership with GFI Academy.
POWERED BY HOUSTON'S SOCCER COMMUNITY
​Albion Hurricanes F.C., Baytown Saints Youth Soccer Club, GFI Academy, HTX Soccer, and SG1 will operate programming at designated locations, bringing organized club soccer directly into underserved communities. Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash also provided advisory support in shaping the Grow the Game initiative.
​
Together, this coalition ensures that the investment in fields translates into meaningful access, structured development,
and long-term sustainability.
PROFESSIONAL
CLUB ADVISORY
Among key stakeholders and contributors, Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash played a key advisory role in the planning and development of FREEKICKS Soccer, lending the organization’s professional expertise and deep roots in the local soccer community to help shape Grow the Game initiatives.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
