EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in full swing, the YMCA of El Paso unveiled its newly renovated soccer complex on the east side, offering new programs for kids.
On Wednesday morning, the YMCA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to present the renovations made at the Fred & Maria Loya Family YMCA.
YMCA broke down the renovations, saying that the field was leveled, new grass was planted, the walking trail was repaved, new lights were installed, audience seating was added and new soccer goals and equipment were purchased.
Fred & Maria Loya Family YMCA in East El Paso unveils renovated soccer complex and programs. July 15, 2026. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
The YMCA said the renovations were possible thanks to a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Soccer for Success program, a nationally recognized youth development initiative that uses soccer as a way to help develop children’s health, social-emotional well-being, and life skills.
YMCA said the renovated complex will serve as the home for YMCA youth soccer leagues, Soccer for Success programming, summer camps, and Out-of-School Time programs.
Speaking with KFOX14/CBS4, CEO of the YMCA of El Paso, Gilda Gil, said she hopes that families take advantage of the new programs, adding, “Who knows? Maybe we’ll have a future Zendejas or a future Pepi.”
Gilda Gil, CEO of the YMCA of El Paso. July 15, 2026. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
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Gil highlighted that the YMCA offers what is called a “membership for all” program, which is meant to help families who can’t afford it.
“So we are removing barriers so that more children get exposed to the sport. And have more opportunities to play outdoors, to work on teamwork, you know, all those essential skills that kids are, unfortunately, no longer being exposed to as much as we need them to be,” Gil said.
In a written statement, Gil also thanked the U.S. Soccer Foundation for the donation, writing, “Every child deserves a safe place to play, learn, and grow. We are incredibly grateful to the U.S. Soccer Foundation for investing in our community and helping us create a home for community soccer that will serve children and families for years to come. This partnership allows us to expand access to quality soccer programming, creating opportunities for every child to build confidence, develop character, and experience the lifelong benefits of teamwork, healthy living, and belonging.”
If you’re interested in registering your family for the soccer programs, Gil said they have started taking applications.
Fred & Maria Loya Family YMCA in East El Paso unveils renovated soccer complex and programs. July 15, 2026. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
The Fred & Maria Loya Family YMCA is located at 2044 Trawood Dr. in East El Paso, near Lee Trevino and Montwood Drive.
The facility’s phone number is 915-590-9622.
You can also visit the facility’s official website to find more information like its hours of operation and other amenities and programs.
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