The U.S. Soccer Foundation (USSF) has announced a $5 million gift from Citadel founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin to launch the Miami-Dade County Soccer Initiative.

The $10 million initiative aims to increase opportunities for children living in under-resourced communities across the county to play and benefit from playing soccer. To that end, the gift will fund the creation of 50 mini-pitches in Miami-Dade County by 2026. In addition, the foundation announced a commitment from the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County to launch USSF’s Just Ball League on newly installed mini-pitches and sustain its Soccer for Success program in the county.

Griffin previously helped launch the Chicago Soccer Initiative, which expanded access to soccer for more than 10,000 children in his former hometown.

“Through soccer, children can experience the benefits of teamwork, the discipline of being an athlete, and the joy of competition,” said Griffin. “I am proud to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Miami-Dade County, and the Miami Children’s Trust to help bring this sport to thousands of children across our community.”

(Photo credit: U.S. Soccer Foundation)