New Mini-Soccer Pitch Opens At Brooklyn’s JHS 62 Ditmas

DITMAS PARK, NY — A new mini-soccer pitch opened at JHS 62 Ditmas in Brooklyn on Tuesday, providing students and the surrounding community with a new space for soccer, physical activity and youth programming.

The pitch was unveiled by partners in the New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI), including New York City FC, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Etihad Airways and Judi Health, alongside the Department of Education.

The new facility is part of NYCSI’s “26 for 26” commitment to build 26 additional mini-pitches across New York City’s five boroughs in celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The pitches are intended to expand access to soccer while supporting young people’s development both on and off the field.

"As Principal of JHS 62 Ditmas, I am incredibly excited to see this new soccer pitch become part of our school community,” Marielena Santiago, Principal of JHS 62 Ditmas, said. “Every day, we strive to create opportunities that support our students’ growth both inside and outside the classroom, and this beautiful new space will do exactly that.

Other 2026 NYCSI mini-pitch sites include PS 5 Ellen Lurie in Manhattan and Lafayette Middle School in Brooklyn. Seven additional sites are planned for completion this year, including three in the Bronx, two in Queens, one more in Brooklyn and one in Staten Island.