Deasy announces nearly $165,000 in state funding to expand soccer program for underserved youth
Rep. Dan Deasy April 15, 2026 | 3:54 PM
PITTSBURGH, April 15 – State Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Allegheny, announced today that $164,750 in state funding has been awarded to local nonprofit Open Field to expand its Future Forward soccer program, which serves immigrant, refugee and other marginalized youth across Allegheny County.
"Every young person deserves a chance to succeed, no matter what they’ve faced,” Deasy said. "Open Field gives our youth a safe place to belong, mentorship and support. When we invest in our young people, we strengthen our communities.”
Future Forward uses soccer to create a safe environment where young people can thrive, combining competitive league play with mentoring, social-emotional learning and post-secondary readiness activities, including career exploration and visits to colleges and trade schools. The program will serve approximately 120 young people annually.
Deasy said that the grant funding will support partial salaries and benefits for the executive director, program director, and the post-secondary success coordinator, as well as operating expenses, including soccer equipment, apparel, refreshments, program materials and costs tied to program growth.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency administered the award through its Violence Intervention and Prevention Grant, which supports community-led strategies to intervene and respond to community violence.
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