Try not to get too jealous — we recently played soccer with NCFC and NC Courage in the middle of downtown Raleigh. Yes, actually.

On Fri., July 16, RALtoday participated in a soccer clinic + scrimmage to kick off the opening of City Plaza’s Free Play Soccer mini pop-up pitch.

The temporary soccer field is an initiative of The Bucy Foundation, an organization committed to helping local youth learn + grow through the game of soccer, along with Raleigh Parks. The foundation’s goal is to build 25 soccer fields in Triangle neighborhoods that lack access to free-play space. They want to, “use the sport of soccer as the vehicle to help develop important life skills and healthier lifestyles.”

Mini-pitches are typically ~100 ft by ~50 ft, but the City Plaza pitch is even smaller at 36 ft by 71 ft. City Plaza, located at 400 Fayetteville St., is a central location with plenty of space + foot traffic — it was even home to a temporary ice-skating rink a few years ago.

“We wanted to pick a location that was easily accessible — that kids could walk to — we spent hours walking around downtown.” Ashlie Bucy, founder of The Bucy Foundation, said.

The downtown pop-up field will be available for the public to use from Thurs., July 15-Sun., Aug. 15. There will be numerous events held throughout the month, including NCFC Youth Tournaments, friday night football, guided youth pick-up, midweek play with adult leagues, free clinics, and pick-up play. Sign-up for event updates here.

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