The U.S. Soccer Foundation and the organization planning FIFA World Cup soccer matches in Philadelphia this summer gave Scranton a $100,000 grant to install a small soccer playing area at Weston Field, the mayor announced.

Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is the nonprofit host committee planning and executing World Cup matches there. Last month, state officials announced that Scranton will serve as one of just three “Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zones” hosting FIFA World Cup watch parties between Independence Day and July 19, the date of the 2026 World Cup Final.

Scranton’s World Cup fan zone will take place in July at the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square. Pittsburgh and Reading will host the other two fan zones in the state.

The $100,000 grant to Scranton comes through Philadelphia Soccer 2026’s Legacy Initiative to support the installation of a soccer “mini-pitch” at Weston Field, 982 Providence Road, Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti announced Monday. The funds are part of a $2 million investment in youth soccer infrastructure and programming throughout the state.

“We’re spotlighting the world’s most popular sport in the City of Scranton,” Cognetti said in her announcement. “As we prepare to welcome thousands of fans to Courthouse Square to share in the spirit of the World Cup this July, we’re going to introduce soccer to new fans for years to come with this mini-pitch at Weston Field.”

“FIFA World Cup 2026 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grow the game where it matters most — in our communities,” said Melissa Piccoli, Chief External Affairs Officer of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “We are proud to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to bring this mini-pitch to Scranton, giving young people in NEPA a safe, welcoming place to play and discover a sport with the power to change lives. This is exactly the kind of legacy we want to leave across Pennsylvania long after the last whistle.”

According to the announcement:

• In an April 6 agreement, the U.S. Soccer Foundation approved Scranton’s application for a mini-pitch measuring 90 feet by 50 feet to be installed at Weston Field. Under the pact, the foundation will present a minimum of one event per year over the next five years to help establish Scranton’s role in bringing soccer to residents.

• Mini-pitches are customized, hard-court surfaces suited for soccer programs, pick-up games, and more, and at sites that are well lit and designed to be accessible to players of all abilities.

• Work on Scranton’s mini-pitch at Weston Field is expected to begin in May and have installation in mid-June. The Weston Field site is within a safe walking distance from Scranton High School and the NEPA Youth Shelter. Weston Field also underwent major improvements in 2025, including a new $3.6 million zero-entry pool complete with water spray features, as well as a $956,000 concrete skate park that opened in October.

• A mini-pitch here will help create a safe space for new and experienced players to enjoy soccer and enhance the experience for those enjoying youth summer camps at Weston Field.

The grant is on the Scranton City Council agenda for Tuesday night for council to vote on acceptance and execution of the funds.