San Diego FC, the YMCA of San Diego County and DIRECTV celebrated the completion and dedication of a newly enhanced soccer arena at the YMCA Escondido Campus on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the organizations’ ongoing commitment to creating accessible opportunities for youth and families through sport.
The site dedication brought together community leaders, youth and families, project partners and representatives from SDFC, the YMCA of San Diego County and DIRECTV to recognize the community investment behind the project and officially dedicate the space for generations of local youth to enjoy.
“This project is about more than transforming a physical space – it is about creating something truly reflective of a community’s identity that provides young people more opportunities to play, build confidence and belong,” said Joel Katz, Vice President of Community Impact at San Diego FC. “Through Parks & Pitches, we work alongside partners, local artists and community leaders to create spaces rooted in each neighborhood and keep them active long after they open. We’re proud to partner with DIRECTV and the YMCA of San Diego County on a pitch that is uniquely Escondido and will give youth and families a place to enjoy the game for years to come.”
“At the Y, we believe in the power of connection, growth, and opportunity for all,” shared Todd Tibbits, President and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County. “That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce the newly enhanced soccer arena at the Escondido YMCA, a Campus for Community Well-Being. This project shows what we can achieve when we come together. Through our incredible partnership with San Diego FC and DIRECTV, we’re creating more than just a place to play – we’re building a hub where children and families can come together, forge meaningful connections, and celebrate the joy of soccer. This isn’t just about the game; it’s about fostering a sense of unity and belonging that will strengthen the Escondido community for years to come.”
The dedication ceremony featured remarks from representatives of the three organizations, as well as SDFC players Christopher McVey, Manu Duah and midfielder Bryan Zamblé, and YMCA program participants who shared their experiences and the importance of creating welcoming spaces for young people to participate in sports.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial “First Goal,” officially dedicating the enhanced soccer arena. Rather than a traditional ribbon cutting, the “First Goal” served as a celebration of the space’s purpose: providing a place where young athletes can play and develop their love of the game.
Following the dedication, the YMCA Escondido Campus hosted a community celebration featuring youth activities, partner booths, food and refreshments, and a community soccer clinic. Local youth and families had the opportunity to experience enhanced space and connect with community partners.
“Sports have an incredible ability to bring people together, and our work with San Diego FC has always been about creating an impact that extends beyond the pitch,” said Josh Stern, AVP, Brand Marketing Management, DIRECTV. “Every child deserves a safe place to play, grow and belong, and we’re proud to help create that opportunity for young people here in San Diego. From this new futsal court at the Escondido YMCA to initiatives like Goals for Good, we’re committed to using the power of our brand and the reach of sports to invest in the communities we serve.”
The project builds on the ongoing relationship between SDFC and the YMCA of San Diego County, with the organizations working together to expand access to sports programming and create meaningful opportunities for youth throughout the San Diego region. The newly enhanced soccer arena is part of the Club’s Parks & Pitches Initiative and marks the third completed project of its kind, following the opening of revitalized courts at Colina Del Sol in City Heights in February 2026 and at Willie Henderson Sports Complex in May 2026.
“For the past four years, I have played here at the YMCA,” said high schooler Diego Haro. “Even when much of the property was shut down and the field was falling apart, we kept playing. It was still a place where I could come with my club and high school teammates, forget about the stress of everyday life, make friends, and play the game I love.”
SDFC’s Parks & Pitches initiative develops courts and fields in public parks into vibrant play spaces centered around the beautiful game. Through a hyperlocal, community-centric approach, the Club works directly with community members, local artists and youth to co-create these spaces. These pitches are enhanced with art installations, brought to life through programming and local vendors, and designed to inspire multi-generational play.
