Free street soccer court built in Sherwood Park, and there are more to come

SALT LAKE CITY — There’s a new and free-to-the-public street soccer court in Salt Lake City’s Sherwood Park, and the organization that built it said more free parks are on the way.

Free The Game is a Salt Lake City non-profit with a mission to help make soccer accessible to everyone, especially underserved communities.

Families who have the means to put their kids in soccer already know how large the cost can be. Free The Game wants to finally give the game back to the streets, for free.

“We grew up in this society now where the game has grown so much that it costs even more to play,”Nick Rimando, co-founder and retired Real Salt Lake legend told KSL NewsRadio. “To be involved in the best teams in Utah… it’s thousands and thousands of dollars. 

“Maybe, some kids don’t have the resources to play.”

Free soccer courts are common across Europe

According to the group’s website, children across Europe spend hours playing soccer on concrete courts, and they don’t pay to play.

What’s more, Rimando said his company’s goal is to open more free street soccer courts in Utah by 2026.

“Here in Utah, we’re trying to get 20 courts by 2026 which is when the World Cup comes to the U.S. and Mexico. We’ve got a long way to go.”

The group will build its next court in Sugar House Park. It’s set to open in November of this year.

“Sugar House… just got approved. We’ve got five or six courts approved in the Canyons (School) District in Midvale.”

Rimando said their vision is to create a new-age skate park.

“It’s free, a kids’ kind of getaway. They go on their own, they take in this wonderful sport that we all love. Find new friends, and socialize.”

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