Soccer Park, Learning Center Opens For Fire-Affected Families In Altadena

ALTADENA, CA — A soccer park and learning center aimed at supporting families affected by the Eaton Fire opened Thursday in Altadena, offering year- round youth programming, mentorship and educational services.

The UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center opened at St. Elizabeth Parish School, where officials from UNIQLO, Street Soccer USA and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles planned a grand opening celebration Thursday evening.

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The facility includes two artificial turf soccer fields and a classroom built from a converted shipping container that will host homework assistance, mentorship programs and financial and digital literacy instruction, according to officials.

The site is intended to serve children and families in neighborhoods affected by the 2025 wildfire and is expected to reach approximately 1,000 young people during its first year of operation, officials said.

The center will offer free soccer programming and youth development services through Street Soccer USA, a nonprofit organization that operates similar facilities in Watts and South Gate.

The project was funded in part through a pledge by Fast Retailing and UNIQLO to provide up to $2 million in financial assistance and clothing donations to communities affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, officials said.

"Together, we hope the UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center becomes a place where children and families can come together to play, learn, and feel supported," UNIQLO USA CEO Adachi Fuminori said in a statement.

Street Soccer USA founder and CEO Lawrence Cann said the organization hopes the facility will provide support for the community.

"As Altadena continues to heal from the wildfires, we hope this park and learning center can be a place where young people and neighbors come together, find support, and begin to look ahead," Cann said.

St. Elizabeth Parish School was selected as the location because of its proximity to neighborhoods damaged by the fire and its central location in Altadena, according to officials.

"In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish is thrilled to partner with Street Soccer USA to reinvest in the Altadena community through the game of soccer," said Paul Escala, senior director and superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

UNIQLO and Street Soccer USA have partnered since 2013, with the apparel company serving as the nonprofit's official clothing sponsor and supporting youth soccer programs across the country.

City News Service