⚽ A WORLD CUP DREAM COMES TO DREXEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ✂️
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to begin next week, excitement for the world's most popular sport is growing across the globe. But here in Cicero, the celebration started early.
On June 3, Cicero District 99 proudly unveiled the community's first-ever soccer mini-pitch at Drexel Elementary School, creating a new space where students can play, compete, and build memories for years to come.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together nearly 100 students, family members, educators, community leaders, and partner organizations for a morning filled with excitement, pride, and community spirit. For a town with a rich soccer tradition and generations of families who have grown up loving the game, the moment felt especially meaningful.
Made possible through a partnership between District 99, Genesis Motor America, the MLS Players Association (MLSPA), and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Drexel mini-pitch is one of just several hundred mini-pitches installed across the United States. The state-of-the-art facility will provide students and families with a safe, welcoming place to play and stay active while fostering a lifelong love of soccer.
Among those in attendance were Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick, District 99 Board of Education President Tom Tomschin, Board Members Derek Dominick, Malika Manouzi, and Lisa Barrera, along with District administrators, representatives from partner organizations, and proud family members who came to celebrate the historic occasion.
The excitement reached another level following the ribbon cutting, when students participated in a ceremonial first kick on the brand-new field. Moments later, Drexel Elementary's intramural soccer team took to the pitch for an energetic scrimmage match, giving the community its first glimpse of the facility in action.
As parents and supporters cheered from the sidelines, the student-athletes showcased their skills, teamwork, and passion for the game. Their smiles said it all.
Adding to the celebration, participating students received soccer jerseys and soccer balls, creating memories that will last long after the event and giving them even more opportunities to continue playing the sport they love. Families enjoyed a festive atmosphere throughout the morning, while a taco truck helped bring neighbors together for a true community celebration.
During the ceremony, Superintendent Dr. Aldo Calderin reflected on the significance of the project and what it means for District 99 students.
"The installation of the mini-pitch celebrates the Board of Education's commitment to our community and helps bring excitement and anticipation for the upcoming World Cup," said Dr. Calderin. "It also creates an amazing opportunity for our students to have one of very few mini-pitches in the U.S. right here in their own playground to play and practice the game so many love."
His words captured the spirit of the day. The new mini-pitch is more than a soccer field — it is an investment in children, families, and the future of the Cicero community.
As millions of fans prepare to watch the world's best players compete on soccer's biggest stage, Drexel students now have a special place of their own to dream big, develop their skills, and create memories with friends and teammates.
The mini-pitch will serve as a gathering place where Drexel students can learn valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, sportsmanship, and leadership — both on and off the field.
District 99 extends its sincere gratitude to Genesis USA, the Major League Soccer (MLS), and the U.S. Soccer Foundation for helping make this incredible opportunity possible. Their partnership has created a lasting investment that will benefit Cicero students and families for generations to come.
The District also thanks NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago for covering this special event and helping share the story of a community coming together to celebrate its students and the power of sport.
As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup next week, Cicero has something special to celebrate as well: a place where future players can take their first kick, pursue their dreams, and discover the joy of the beautiful game — right here at home.