By Jessica Hubbard
Trending in the sports world, mini-pitch is making its way to the forefront in Muscatine. The mini-pitch initiative is an innovative way for most anyone to participate in soccer thus encouraging positive, healthy activities for youth and adults in the community. Allowing for the opportunity to revitalize old sports courts, and unused hard surfaces, Musco Lighting developed the MiniPitch System™ Modular Sports Solution, a system that can be installed in a variety of places. Currently located at Musser Park, the Muscatine mini-pitch is adjacent to the skate park, and open for drop-ins and rentals. Working together for more than 20 years, Musco and the U.S. Soccer Foundation wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for youth to gather and participate in a community activity. Eduardo Zamarripa, Soccer Marketing Manager at Musco says, “Soccer has a
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multitude of benefits. Not only do youth learn about teamwork and camaraderie while playing soccer, they also become engaged with other kids and learn quick decision making skills while participating in a team sport.” The Mini-Pitch System™ is constructed from galvanized steel with ample LED lighting, creating durable, maintenance-free, family-friendly spaces in communities all over the world. “Anyone is welcome to drop in on a soccer game and feel like part of a team.” Zamarripa says, “It’s been incredible to see the growth of the Mini-Pitch System™ and rewarding to collaborate with the U.S Soccer Foundation.” Partnering with Musco, the city of Muscatine Parks and Rec Department
is managing the mini-pitch field. Currently, drop ins are free of charge and there is an on-site kiosk available for reference for when those drop in hours occur. There is a $15 fee to reserve and rent the facility. Hours of use are from 5a.m. to 11p.m. An added bonus is the free lighting system available for evening hour use of the facility. n
