Sporting JAX Foundation and community partners unveil professional mini-pitch for Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club to boost access, confidence and opportunity for young athletes
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Dec. 4, 2025) – Arlington youth are celebrating a major win after the Sporting JAX Foundation Inc., in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, Gainbridge Super League and Gainbridge®, announced today the official opening of its brand-new mini soccer pitch at the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club.
The Thursday afternoon celebration featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from partner representatives and city dignitaries, along with an inaugural kick into the new goal. Boys & Girls Club members also participated in youth clinic drills led by Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam and several women’s pro team players.
The opening marked the completion of a project that began with a ceremonial groundbreaking in October. Built by Musco Lighting, the mini soccer pitch includes a professional-grade playing surface, built-in goals, fencing, seating, and lighting to create a safe and inspiring hub for the Arlington neighborhood. By placing mini-pitches directly in neighborhoods, the initiative aims to ensure the sport is accessible to all young players, particularly young girls, who may not otherwise have access to safe, dedicated soccer spaces.
“We believe every child should have access to the joy and community that soccer provides,” said Tony Allegretti, Chief Community Officer for Sporting JAX. “This mini-pitch is an investment in Arlington’s future leaders, and we are proud to partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, the Gainbridge Super League and Gainbridge to help create a space where athletes of all abilities can learn, play and thrive.”
Designed for the nearly 100 students served daily by the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club, the inaugural mini-pitch reinforces a broader national movement to bring soccer closer to kids in every community. Arlington is the first community to receive a mini-pitch through a new, multi-year community impact initiative launched by the Gainbridge Super League and Gainbridge®. The initiative will deliver at least five mini-pitches nationwide across select Gainbridge Super League markets.
“Providing safe, high-quality spaces for our youth is central to our mission, and this new soccer pitch will have a lasting impact on the young people we serve every day,” said Paul Martinez, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida. “Thanks to this partnership, our club members now have a world-class facility right in their neighborhood – one that will inspire them to stay active, build character and pursue their dreams.”
In less than a year, the Sporting JAX Foundation has served more than 500 students through four phases of free, high-level soccer clinics offered in underserved communities where resources are limited or nonexistent. Registration is now open for upcoming clinics for aspiring athletes ages 6–18 of all skill levels.
