City Heights Gets San Diego’s First Street Soccer Park

City Heights is getting a new community resource designed to do more than just host pickup games. Street Soccer USA, the national nonprofit using sport to fight poverty and strengthen communities, is opening its first San Diego location at Horace Mann Middle School this February.

The Adam R. Scripps Street Soccer Park will offer free soccer programming, mentorship, and life-skills development for people of all ages and backgrounds, turning the field into a hub for building confidence, resilience, and meaningful connections.

Part of a Nationwide Initiative

The park is part of Street Soccer USA’s 26 for 2026 initiative, which aims to build 26 parks across the country next year. San Diego’s will be the first to open locally, joining others already established in New York City, San Francisco, Denver, and Kansas City.

The setup includes free clinics for youth and adults of all skill levels, after-school sessions, community soccer clubs, street leagues, tournaments, and team-building activities. During school hours, Horace Mann Middle School students will have exclusive access to the field for PE classes and school programming.

Beyond the Game

Street Soccer USA’s approach goes deeper than recreational soccer. The organization provides targeted programs for individuals overcoming barriers, including mentorship, post-incarceration reentry support, and community-based rehabilitation initiatives.

“Soccer has the power to unite people of all ages, and this park brings our mission to life, breaking barriers, strengthening community connections, and building stronger futures right in the heart of San Diego,” said Reed Fox, Street Soccer USA San Diego Director.

Backed by Local Foundations

The park is made possible through support from the Adam R. Scripps Foundation and the Alex Morgan Foundation, both committed to expanding youth sports and community resources in San Diego.

“We believe that everyone deserves access to quality spaces for recreation and connection, where communities can gather, play, and build lasting relationships,” said Alex Bakkum, Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Adam R. Scripps Foundation.

Laura Wolf Stein, Executive Director of the Alex Morgan Foundation, highlighted the project’s alignment with their goal to create more opportunities for girls in sports, noting the promise of dedicated field time for girls in the community.