Dynamo's co-owners aim to make soccer more accessible in Greater Houston

Ben Guill, Houston Dynamo's new minority owner during the first practice of the Houston Dynamo's 2016 preseason at Houston Sports Park, on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, in Houston. Ben Guill, Houston Dynamo's new minority owner during the first practice of the Houston Dynamo's 2016 preseason at Houston Sports Park, on Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, in Houston. Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Dynamo's co-owners aim to make soccer more accessible in Greater Houston 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

On Tuesday, Houston Dynamo co-owners Jake Silverstein and Ben Guill will announce their intent to create 15 mini soccer pitches across the Greater Houston area over the next five years.

Mini-pitches are miniature soccer fields with hard-court surfaces which are similar to basketball courts in size. The first three are expected to open in spring 2020.

“I want every kid in Houston to have the opportunity to play and learn about this beautiful game in a safe, welcoming environment,” Silverstein said.

“Every child in Houston, including, maybe, the next DaMarcus Beasley, should be able to grow up believing that the countless doors and opportunities soccer can open are available to them.”

Recommended Video:

Beasley, who retired from the Dynamo after this past season, will partner with Silverstein, Guill and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to identify areas with limited access to "safe places to play."

The initiative is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation's broader plan to build 1,000 pitches by 2026. Houston is one of 17 U.S. cities vying for a share of hosting responsibilities for the 2026 World Cup. Guill serves on the board of directors for the Houston 2026 World Cup Bid Committee.