Open Field’s mission is to improve the lives and futures of youth through sport. We promote education, health, girls’ empowerment, leadership and life skills through the global game of soccer. Our programming creates a safe space in low-resource neighborhoods where youth from diverse backgrounds come together to play and learn as equals. Open Field coach-mentors serve as mentors to youth participants and our Youth Leader program creates a platform for teenagers from target communities to serve as role models to their peers.

Our programming incorporates social and emotional skills learning for children ages 6-18 through activities, discussions, and character development on and off the soccer field. We employ teenagers as Youth Leaders, providing them the skills and experience they need to be successful in the classroom and in the workforce. Working closely with community partners, we design our programming to meet the unique needs of the population in the neighborhood where we work, so it’s culturally relevant and improves the quality of life for all participants.