UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center Opening in Altadena on July 9th
New permanent community space will provide year-round access to soccer, mentorship, and life-skills programming for families in fire-affected neighborhoods
UNIQLO and Street Soccer USAGrand Opening Event of the UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center in Altadena, a permanent community hub created to support youth and families in neighborhoods affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. Opening July 9, the site will provide year-round access to safe play, mentorship, education, and community connection. Designed to give children and families a place to learn, play, and grow together, the UNIQLO Street Soccer Park & Learning Center includes two turf soccer fields and a prefabricated shipping container that has been transformed into a classroom and learning space. The site will offer free soccer-based programming, alongside youth development, homework help, mentorship, and financial and digital literacy support. Through Street Soccer USA programming and community partnerships, the organizations expect to reach 1,000 young people in the first year. The site will become Street Soccer USA’s third chapter in Los Angeles, expanding its reach to a community not currently served through its existing locations in Watts and South Gate.
The park was made possible through Fast Retailing and UNIQLO’s January 2025 pledge to provide up to $2 million in funds and clothing to support communities affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. As part of that commitment, the company directed funding to nonprofit organizations working on both immediate relief and long-term recovery, including Street Soccer USA. The initiative also aligns with Street Soccer USA’s 26 for 2026 campaign, which aims to build 26 Street Soccer Parks and Learning Centers across the country.
The location of the park will be at St. Elizabeth Parish School, which was selected for its proximity to the burn area and central location in Altadena, making it accessible to families in Altadena and surrounding communities. Although the school was not physically damaged in the wildfires, the loss of families’ homes contributed to a decline in enrollment that has kept it closed. With the support of UNIQLO and Street Soccer USA, the school hopes the park will become a place for healing and connection that also helps strengthen the neighborhood and, over time, welcome families back to campus.
The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with representatives from UNIQLO, Street Soccer USA, and special guests; a community festival with food provided by In-N-Out Burger, a live DJ, and family activities; and friendly soccer matches between UNIQLO team members and local families on the new fields. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the learning center and enjoy a Japanese taiko drumming performance.
