21 mini soccer pitches now serve Denver students

Twenty-one small soccer fields have been installed at Denver Public Schools campuses, and one of them just opened at Trevista at Horace Mann. The mini-pitch was unveiled this month to kick off the new school year. Vita Coco and the U.S. Soccer Foundation funded the installation.

Aric Pelafas, the physical education teacher at Trevista, first contacted the U.S. Soccer Foundation four years ago about getting a dedicated space for students. He said the school had many children who had never played soccer or participated in organized sports. When the foundation responded, Pelafas organized a grand opening event. Students from all grade levels have used the field every day for recess since then.

Pelafas said the pitch helps students process winning and losing together. "Being a good person is more important," he told students in class. The field allows kids to experience highs and lows while supporting one another.

Teyo Boltkolinek, a student at the school, has played soccer since he was three years old. During recess, his classmates chant his name as he plays. Boltkolinek noted that the ball moves quickly when kicked fast but can also move slowly because the walls allow players to pass against the structure. "There's no outs," he said.

The Trevista field is not the first in the district. Bryant Webster Dual Language School received a mini-pitch in 2018. Assistant principal Andrew Hernandez said that field is probably the most popular spot in that building. The school serves students from age three to 14. Hernandez said he enjoys watching the different age groups play together in the morning. Older students often adjust their play to create a space where younger children can participate.

The new field at Trevista serves students of all ages and abilities. Pelafas said he is glad the students can see the lines and goals on the court. The students have been using the space daily for recess since the grand opening.