By Gina Yarbrough
Escondido, CA–The city of Escondido, in collaboration with Street Soccer USA, and San Diego FC, officially unveiled Street Soccer USA Park in Escondido, a groundbreaking soccer facility marking a new era in the region’s sports infrastructure.
Saturday’s celebration kicked off with the Street Soccer USA Park ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a “Chrome Ball Tour” soccer competition.
The opening of the soccer court was part of Love Esco Day, an event celebrating community volunteerism in Escondido.
The establishment of Street Soccer USA Park underscores the city’s dedication, in partnership with Street Soccer USA and San Diego FC, to enhance access to soccer and provide safe recreational spaces across the city, and the broader region. With strong community support and backing from the city, the park is poised to become a source of community pride, bringing residents together and encouraging active participation with daily free play, and year-round programming.
“I am very excited to bring the region’s first futsal courts to Washington Park in District 1 of the City of Escondido,” said Councilmember Consuelo Martinez (District 1). “This community asset will be a wonderful place for people to gather and enjoy the sport together. It is wonderful to see the community’s vision come to fruition.”
Street Soccer USA and San Diego FC will partner with local community groups and residents to develop a year-round, neighborhood-based, free-to-play soccer initiative. The initiative will include weekly after-school programs and seasonal festivals held at the new courts.
Escondido Mayor Dane White expressed the city’s commitment to providing community resources and creating a fun and safe environment for extracurricular activities.
“The city of Escondido is committed to providing community resources to encourage a fun and safe environment for extracurricular activities such as the futsal courts created by City Council with American Rescue Plan Act funds,” said White. “We are thankful for our partnership with San Diego FC and Street Soccer USA to provide ongoing programming and support for the futsal courts.”
Rob Cann, founder of Street Soccer USA, expressed excitement about the park’s completion, envisioning it as the first of many in the region.
“We are thrilled to see this first park of many come to fruition. With the World Cup coming to the US in 2026 and the commitment of partners like San Diego FC, we are thrilled to grow the game in Escondido and the San Diego region in the years to come,” said Cann.
San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn highlighted the club’s commitment to community engagement through initiatives like the Chrome Ball Tour and the opening of Street Soccer USA Park.
“San Diego FC’s Chrome Ball Tour and opening of Street Soccer USA Park underscores our Club’s commitment to engage local San Diego communities and encourage soccer participation,” said Penn. “With great partners like Love Esco, Street Soccer USA, and the city of Escondido, we look forward to offering a free and safe space for Escondido to come together and enjoy the beautiful game.”
