COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – In collaboration with Hisense USA, Musco Lighting and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the United Soccer League (USL) and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC unveiled a new community-oriented mini-pitch at Centennial Elementary School. 

The Switchbacks unveiled the new mini-pitch at a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 17 with Switchbacks coaches and players coaching small-sided soccer games on the new pitch with students from Centennial Elementary School. The club hopes the mini-pitch will not just be a resource for students at Centennial, but for the Colorado Springs community as whole. 

“It is a joy to grow the world's game in Colorado Springs with School District 2 and sports industry leaders,” said Colorado Springs Switchbacks President Nick Ragain. “Great soccer talent often comes from humble beginnings and maybe this mini-pitch will be the beginning for another great one.”

“This is an opportunity our students would not have without a partnership like this. We are so excited to provide this type of soccer experience for our community,” said Kim Noyes, Principal of Centennial Elementary School. 

This is the second mini-pitch to come from the partnership between the USL and both Hisense and Musco Lighting, with both organizations investing in the grassroots game in new markets across the United States. The two partnerships are part of a major expansion in league-wide agreements that have offered clubs in the Championship and League One new opportunities for business growth and community impact.

“Along with our partners Hisense and Musco, the USL is extremely proud of the role we play in helping to grow the sport in our communities,” said Josh Keller, SVP of Corporate Development at the USL. “Through the Mini Pitch project, we hope to inspire the next generation of players and fans.”

“At Hisense, our passion for soccer goes beyond the game; it's about fostering community, inclusivity, and opportunities for all,” said David VanderWaal, Brand Marketing Head of Hisense Americas. “As the Official Television of USL, we continue to spread the love of the sport across the US, one mini pitch at a time. Spaces like this in Colorado Springs help to forge connections and enrich communities, creating an environment where everyone can play and belong.”