Del Valle ISD hears plan for community “mini pitch” from Soccer Assist, 4ATX and US Soccer Foundation

Aaron Rocklin, a professor at the University of Texas and founder of Soccer Assist, and Jordan Martin, senior director of operations for the 4ATX Foundation, told the Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees about a proposed mini soccer pitch for the Del Valle community and students.

Rocklin said the typical installation costs about $100,000 and that “between 4 ATX and Soccer, we have in pocket ready to go, 80% of that funding,” leaving an estimated $15,000–$20,000 gap the presenters said they would seek from local sponsors. The planned site identified in early conversations was Daly Middle School; presenters said a pitch there could be used by the school during the day and the public outside school hours.

Why it matters: Board members and presenters described the mini pitch as a low-footprint, high-access recreation asset for a community they said lacks safe, close-by play spaces. The presenters said the pitches support youth programs, after-school instruction, and community gatherings, and…