On February 5, 2026, we celebrated more than the grand opening of a soccer mini-pitch—we opened the door for more Champions on and off the field. Thanks to the Zaffirini Family Foundation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Club members now have a safe, inclusive space to build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills through the game of soccer.
With guest speakers Zenae Campbell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs, Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Carlos Zaffirini U.S. Soccer Foundation board member, District 21 Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini, and Club Kid Ian H., the afternoon was filled with gratitude, and Club kids present bursting with excitement to play!
Zenae Campbell, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area
Zenae Campbell kicked off the ceremony, welcoming special guests and highlighting Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Famer, Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini. Also sharing words of gratitude and encouragement for youth present in celebration of the elevated space in the soccer mini-pitch. One of more than 400 Boys & Girls Clubs across the state of Texas and will be celebrating more than 60 years in the Austin community.
“Through Club, sports become a gateway to academic success, to leadership development, to mental wellbeing, and lifelong opportunities. At Clubs, kids aren’t just playing the game, they are leading it. A huge thank you to U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Zaffirinis, for expanding access and opportunities for our Club kids to be champions on and off the field.”
Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation
Ed Foster-Simeon kicked off our ceremony with gratitude for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area, Board Member and friend Carlos Zaffirini, and Senator Judith Zaffirini for their work and dedication to the community. He explained his pride in celebrating this moment with local leadership that serve this community for generations.
“It should be easy for kids to play in a safe place and to do so in an affordable way the way I did when I was in Club. That’s why I wanted to partner with [Boys & Girls Clubs]”.
Carlos Zaffirini, U.S. Soccer Foundation Board Member
For Carlos, this ceremony was more than just another soccer mini-pitch but providing access and affordability to learn about and play soccer. During his speech, Carlos shared his personal connection with Boys & Girls Clubs:
“It should be easy for kids to play in a safe place and to do so in an affordable way the way I did when I was in Club. That’s why I wanted to partner with [Boys & Girls Clubs]”.
Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini
As the highlight speaker of the ceremony, Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini spoke powerfully about the role access to sports plays in shaping young people for success and emphasized how sports like soccer build lifelong skills such as work ethic, teamwork, and perseverance.
“My fondest memories as a child include being at Boys & Girls Club. My father treasured it so much. Because the gene of being a jock went on to my son and now on to his sons who are involved in sports. U.S. Soccer Foundation is ensuring that boys and girls throughout our state are learning more about soccer and the importance of the sport.”
Ian H., Home Club Member
In addition to our local leaders, Club Kid Ian H. shared his words of gratitude to our partners:
“I’m really thankful for the soccer mini-pitch because it’s a place where I can play with my friends and practice my skills. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Boys & Girls Clubs.”
Soon after, guests and Club kids gathered by the goal for the celebratory ribbon cutting and then lined up with their own soccer ball to kick into the banner, breaking through into the goal. This mini-pitch will serve as a hub for daily recreation, structured programming, and community events—supporting Health & Well–being and positive youth development.
Every pass, every practice, every moment of teamwork helps shape young people into confident leaders—Champions in Life, on and off the field.
We are grateful to the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the Zaffirini Family Foundation for investing in opportunity and access for our youth. Together, we are removing barriers, opening doors, and building the next generation of Champions.
