Creating spaces that connect Across borders, cultures and neighborhoods, soccer is proving to be far more than a game. Through strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives in the United States and Mexico, MetLife Foundation is helping transform underutilized spaces into vibrant community hubs – strengthening social ties, promoting healthy habits and creating safe places where people can connect.

MetLife Foundation’s new partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation is expanding access to safe places to play by bringing mini-pitches to cities nationwide. These hard-court fields are designed to serve as welcoming, inclusive spaces for young people and families, paired with community-led soccer programming that encourages participation and mentorship. The opening of one of the first mini-pitches in Philadelphia symbolized more than a ribbon-cutting – it signaled the start of long-term investment in neighborhoods where safe recreational spaces can make a meaningful difference.

“Soccer is having a moment in our country, and we’re proud to partner with MetLife Foundation to ensure this moment reaches millions of youth and families in under-resourced communities nationwide,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. "By creating safe places to play, expanding proven in- and after-school programs, and training more coaches to serve as mentors and community leaders, we’re making sure the game leaves a lasting impact for generations to come.”

Revitalizing public spaces

South of the border, that same commitment to community-centered development is taking shape through Pinta Tu Cancha, a collaborative effort between MetLife, Fundación MetLife Mexico and Fundación Placemaking México. The program highlights how the spirit of soccer can extend well beyond professional stadiums and into local communities. In 2025 alone, Pinta Tu Cancha rehabilitated 22 hard-surface soccer fields, building on five restored the year before. Together, these efforts have revitalized more than 11,000 square meters of public space across Mexico City, Jalisco, Nuevo León and Baja California Norte – benefiting an estimated 90,000 people since the program began. This success has led the Foundation to expand their work, partnering with The Place Institute to revitalize 12 soccer fields in Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.

‘We've seen how powerful sports can be, not just for kids, but for families and entire communities,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. “Together with our partners, we’re creating more opportunities to play and engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help young people and their communities build stronger futures.”

Working side-by-side with local residents

Nearly 400 MetLife Mexico employees and more than 1,000 local residents worked side by side to paint, repair and landscape the fields, while also participating in exercise workshops and community activities. In several locations, well-known Mexican soccer figures joined in, reinforcing messages around teamwork, healthy habits and the positive role sports can play in everyday life.