As part of the Fields For All partnership between the Portland Timbers and Thorns FC’s community initiative, Stand Together, and Operation Pitch Invasion (OPI), the groups will unveil a new pair of futsal courts on Friday, Oct. 21, at Cesar Chavez Elementary School.
The dedication ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m. PT with host Jake Zivin and speakers from the Timbers and Thorns FC, OPI and Portland Public Schools, including Timbers and Thorns FC Vice President of Community and Social Impact Dr. Robin Beavers, Cesar Chavez Principal Risa Munoz Nabielski along with appearances from Timber Joey and Timbers and Thorns FC players.
The development of the futsal courts at Cesar Chavez Elementary School (5103 N Willis Blvd., Portland, OR, 97203) marks the sixth set of futsal courts made possible by the Fields For All partnership, with Stand Together and Operation Pitch Invasion partnering on the project.
Overall, the club has contributed to 18 soccer fields and futsal courts since 2011, providing the greater Portland area with organized outlets for playing soccer. The pair of new futsal courts will support local youth programs, provide an opportunity for children to play on a new quality surface, encourage children to live a healthy, active lifestyle and signifies the strong commitment the clubs, OPI and fans have to supporting the surrounding community.
The development of the new facility is supported by generous donations from community sponsors, including adidas, Providence and Squires Electric. Fields For All aims to identify "recreation deserts" – communities underserved by recreational activities for kids – and fill them with safe, healthy and high-quality playing surfaces. Its work focuses on areas with open community access and neighborhood support. In addition, Fields For All targets locations in close proximity to schools, youth clubs and recreation centers, providing ongoing programming to support organized and structured play for local area youth.
Through its community outreach platform, Stand Together, the organization is committed to furthering their community mission to harness the power of sport to improve the lives of children and families in the region through targeted programs, deep partnerships and philanthropic giving.
Operation Pitch Invasion is a local, grassroots organization that builds, revitalizes and maintains soccer fields and futsal courts throughout the Portland metro area so that players of all ages and skill levels have high-quality and safe playing surfaces to enjoy the beautiful game. OPI is an Oregon 501(c)(3) corporation.
