Philadelphia Parks & Recreation announced on May 6 the start of construction on a new, year-round soccer field at Conestoga Park. The project is supported by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, DC and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The renovation is expected to be completed later this spring.
The new soccer field aims to provide local children with more opportunities for sports and recreation throughout the year. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the West Philadelphia Soccer Academy will also offer ongoing free youth soccer programming through support from the UAE Embassy.
“We are proud of our continued investment and commitment to upgrading Conestoga Park, an important green space for West Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Parks Commissioner Susan Slawson. “With thanks to the UAE Embassy and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, this project is another example of our dedication to the community and to youth sports.”
CHOP CEO Madeline Bell said, “Through the renovation of the Conestoga Park, the residents of West Philadelphia will benefit from having access to a beautiful, refurbished field right in their neighborhood. We are proud to be part of the Philadelphia community and are committed to supporting the children of this city through collaborations with close partners like the UAE and Philadelphia Parks.”
UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said, “Our partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is built on decades of collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing pediatric health not only in the UAE and the United States, but around the world. Over the years, CHOP and the UAE have worked closely together to deliver expert care and improve outcomes for countless children and families. This project at Conestoga Park is more than an investment in a soccer field—it is a testament to what we can achieve when we join forces to support healthier, brighter futures for young people everywhere.”
CHOP has maintained agreements with major health entities in UAE over several decades that include direct clinical care for Emirati children as well as medical education initiatives.
WPSA Director Sylvester Corbie said, “This project will significantly transform our ability to create safe, accessible and affordable soccer programs that deliver positive health and social outcomes… Through this generous investment in our home field at the Conestoga Community Playground, we will be better positioned to continue advancing soccer and promoting sportsmanship in our communities.”
Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. also recognized both CHOP’s contribution as well as that from “our friends at CHOP and United Arab Emirates Embassy.” The UAE Embassy has previously partnered with organizations across several US cities—including Boston; New York City; Miami; East Los Angeles; Chicago; Washington DC; Dallas; Cleveland; Atlantic City; Asbury Park—to build all-weather fields offering free coaching.
