Minford Local School District Secures Mini-Pitch
In an exciting development for the Minford Local School District, assistant high school
boys soccer coach Jonas Smith has successfully secured a Mini-Pitch, thanks to a
collaboration with the Columbus Crew, Lower.com, Nationwide, the US Soccer
Foundation, and Musco Lighting. This investment is set to enhance the district's athletic
facilities and provide students with increased opportunities for physical activity and skill
development.
The Mini-Pitch, designed for soccer but versatile enough for various sports, will serve as
a community hub for youth engagement and fitness. The selected location of Minford
Elementary School’s playground provides daily access for use during the school day by
K-3 students and for extracurricular activity by the community as well.
It is particularly significant for southern Ohio, where access to soccer-related facilities
can be limited. The partnership with the Columbus Crew, a Major League Soccer team,
and the US Soccer Foundation underscores the importance of grassroots development
in the sport, while Musco Lighting’s involvement ensures that the pitch will be equipped
with state-of-the-art technology and lighting for nighttime use.
Coach Smith expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "This Mini-Pitch will not
only elevate our soccer program but also foster a sense of community among our
students and families. We are grateful for the support from the Columbus Crew, the US
Soccer Foundation, Musco Lighting, Lower.com, and Nationwide in making this vision a
reality. Appalachia has a tendency to be overlooked for opportunities. Scioto County
falls behind both Ohio and US averages in many economic and educational measures. I
hope that this Mini-Pitch provides an opportunity for athletes in the area to develop their
skills and potentially open up avenues to a higher education that may have not been
available before. I’m thrilled that our community gets to lead the way and provide the
first Mini-Pitch in the tristate area. It is great to see such prominent organizations share
this vision for our community and area of the state.”
The installation of the Mini-Pitch is expected to begin in early 2025, with hopes of a
grand opening event that will bring together students, families, and local supporters.
This new facility will provide a safe and engaging space for young athletes to develop
their skills, promote teamwork, and enjoy the game of soccer.
With this initiative, the Minford Local School District is taking a significant step towards
enhancing its athletic programs and promoting a healthy lifestyle among its students.