Toronto Opens First FIFA World Cup 2026 Soccer For All Legacy Mini-Pitch in Scarborough
New Scarborough Village Park facility is part of a citywide youth soccer and community recreation initiative
TORONTO — The City of Toronto has officially opened the first of four new Soccer For All Legacy mini-pitches being developed ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™, marking a major milestone in the city’s community sports infrastructure plans tied to the global tournament.
Mayor Olivia Chow and Deputy Mayor Paul Ainslie unveiled the new soccer mini-pitch Friday at Scarborough Village Park as part of Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ Soccer For All Legacy program.
The new facility features:
- A fully enclosed soccer mini-pitch
- Illuminated turf playing surfaces
- Space for youth skill development and recreation
- Free community programming opportunities
City officials say the project is intended to expand equitable access to soccer facilities for youth and families across Toronto neighbourhoods.
More than a match: where dreams get their kickoff. ⚽
Toronto, take a look at the first Soccer for All mini pitch at Scarborough Village Park! 👀
Part of the City’s Soccer For All legacy program, these spaces bring free programs and opportunities for kids to play, grow and… pic.twitter.com/nUWdPbUFbd
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) May 22, 2026
Four Toronto communities receiving FIFA legacy upgrades
Scarborough Village Park is one of four locations selected for new soccer mini-pitches under the legacy initiative.
Additional locations include:
- Apted Park (Humber River – Black Creek)
- Amesbury Park (York – South Weston)
- Grandravine Park (York Centre)
According to the City, site selection was based on:
- Equity-focused criteria
- Geographic distribution
- Existing access to sports infrastructure
The Soccer For All Legacy program is designed to ensure FIFA World Cup 2026™ leaves long-term recreational and community benefits in Toronto after the tournament concludes.
Free soccer programming and camps planned
The City says programming at the mini-pitches will include:
- Free instructional soccer sessions
- Summer camp opportunities
- Open community play access
Officials say the initiative is intended to create safe and inclusive recreation spaces for children and youth of all skill levels and abilities.
“The Soccer for All Legacy program is rooted in equity, access and opportunity,” the City stated in the announcement.
The project also aligns with Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan and broader investments in public recreation infrastructure.
Public-private partnerships helped fund project
The mini-pitches and associated community programming are being funded through corporate donations and partnerships.
The City confirmed the initiative includes:
- A $1 million contribution from Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited
- Support from Federated Insurance
- Contributions from the Champions Table, a committee of Toronto corporate leaders
- Collaboration with local non-profit organizations and community residents
Larry Tanenbaum, Co-Chair of the Champions Table, said the goal is to ensure FIFA World Cup 2026™ creates meaningful long-term community impact.
“Major global events like the FIFA World Cup should leave more than memories, they should leave meaningful community legacy,” Tanenbaum said.
Toronto preparing for FIFA World Cup 2026™
Toronto is continuing preparations for FIFA World Cup 2026™, which will bring international matches, tourism and global media attention to the city this summer.
Municipal officials have increasingly emphasized legacy projects connected to the tournament, including:
- Community recreation investments
- Public space improvements
- Youth sports access initiatives
Mayor Olivia Chow said the new Scarborough mini-pitch will help provide more opportunities for local youth to participate in soccer and community recreation.
“This pitch will be one of four across Toronto that will provide free local programming for children and youth and open community access,” Chow said.
The Soccer For All Legacy program represents one of several FIFA-related infrastructure and community initiatives currently underway across Toronto ahead of the 2026 tournament.
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