Our mission is to improve the lives and futures of youth through sport.
Our sport-based programming creates a safe space for youth to play and learn, with an educational topic connected to every practice and game. Youth participants take on leadership roles as coaches, referees, and methods to their peers. Youth emerge from our programs with new skills to succeed in school and in the workforce.
Why Youth?
Similar Situation
Youth living in poverty face similar challenges across the world. The same barriers to achievement stacked against youth in Pittsburgh and across the United States look very much like those confronted by youth in Cameroon, Africa and the developing world. Lack of access to educational resources, safe spaces to play, and positive role models and mentors compound the negative effects of housing and food insecurity, violence and instability, and systemic inequity. Life is hard growing up in an environment like this. Open Field aims to support youth with skills to overcome these challenges and create a better life for themselves and their families
Why Sport?
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire… to unite people in a way that little else does”
– Nelson Mandela
All across the globe, the #1 sport is football (soccer). We utilize the international passion for the global game as a magnet to attract youth. The Open Field model is fun and engaging, so once youth come they don’t want to leave. The more involved participants get, the more skills and knowledge they gain. Parents connect with sport and see the benefits when their children participate. We engage all community members in activities on and around the field.
