Winnipeg, MB - Kick-off is coming soon for grassroots soccer players in north-central Winnipeg.
The City and partners officially broke ground this morning on the new Jumpstart Community Pitch - a unique field designed to give more community members access to free soccer opportunities – at Burton Cummings Community Centre.
The project is primarily funded by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities (Jumpstart), which is backed by the Government of Canada through Sport Canada.
Additional funding comes from the Point Douglas Land Dedication Reserve Fund, Province of Manitoba's From the Ground Up Grant, and Mayor's Office funding.
“Investing in community sport infrastructure is about investing in the future of our youth," said Hon. Adam van Koeverden, Canada's Secretary of State (Sport). "Through our partnership with Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities and the City of Winnipeg, this new mini-pitch at Burton Cummings Community Centre will give local kids a high-quality, free-to-use space right in their own backyard. Sport starts at the grassroots level, and our government is proud to support accessible spaces that inspire young athletes from playground to podium.”
“Our government is thrilled to be supporting the development of this new soccer pitch as part of our commitment to creating active, healthy communities across Manitoba,” said MLA Malaya Marcelino (Notre Dame). “By helping create accessible spaces for children, youth and families to be active together, we’re creating a safe space for them to connect with their community in a healthy and fun way.”
Construction starts next week on the project, which will include a fenced enclosure, player benches, and six goals to allow for either a single game to be played across the length of the field or two smaller games to be played side-by-side concurrently across the width of the field.
The pitch will also accommodate futsal - a specialized, skill-based soccer game played on a smaller field. When it opens later this year, it will be the first of its kind in Winnipeg.
“This new pitch will give more people the opportunity to play soccer right here in their own neighbourhood,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “It’s another example of partners coming together to make investments that strengthen our communities and help build our city.”
“This project shows what we can accomplish when we bring the right partners to the table,” said Councillor Vivian Santos (Point Douglas). “By working together and leveraging investments from Jumpstart, the City and the Province, we’re creating something that will have a real impact in West Alexander. Most importantly, kids will
have a great soccer pitch right in their own neighbourhood where they can play, stay active and have more opportunities to participate in sport.”
Winnipeg joins other Canadian cities funded through Jumpstart's multi-year plan to build inclusive community soccer pitches across the country that support free play, local programming, and community connection.
“As Jumpstart continues to support new community pitches across Canada, we’re proud to help bring this project to life in Winnipeg,” said Marco Di Buono, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “Soccer is a powerful way for kids and youth to be active, build confidence and connect with others, but access to safe, welcoming places to play remains a barrier for many families. This pitch will help create more free, accessible opportunities for play and community programming close to home.”
Jumpstart funding is supported by Government of Canada through Sport Canada, alongside support from local donors, Canadian Tire Dealers and CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CT REIT). The Government of Canada is providing $2,165,000 to support the initiative, helping more children and youth access soccer from coast to coast to coast.