“Be the Change” Mini-Pitch Initiative

The Big Idea

To address a critical gap for safe and inspiring spaces to play and increase Indigenous soccer player access and development opportunities through the installation of 5V5 Mini Pitch systems across Indigenous communities and highly populated Indigenous urban areas.

The design of the pitch is inspired by the meaning of the “Every Child Matters” orange shirt, creating an inspiring and safe place to play, in memory of the children gone too soon through the residential school genocide and in honor of the survivors so deeply impacted. The boards are a repatterning of the Hope and Health logo - designed by Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr.

The Mini-Pitch system is best in class - designed and manufactured by an incredible group of humans at Musco.

This project creates the opportunity to bring people together to play, to be empowered, to be encouraged to “be the change” that they desire to co-create new pathways based on mutual respect, love and equity.

As of September 2026, Hope and Health has proudly partnered with 10 First Nation communities across British Columbia to install 10 Mini-Pitches. After witnessing the amazing community impact, Hope and Health is committed to keep going - and is actively sourcing for new partners to join us on this incredible journey.

These pitches provide innovative, high quality and inspiring play environments to engage Indigenous youth (and all ages) in the beautiful game and to develop soccer technical skills, along with activating a “5V5 Champions” League within and across nations where there is interest to do so. Many communities are also running their own community programs and leagues and keeping their Mini-Pitch active day and night (thanks to the amazing lights that are an integral feature of the Musco Mini-Pitch System).

If you are a Nation/Community Partner who would like to join us on this amazing Mini-Pitch journey please submit your expression of interest HERE.

Penelakut Mini-Pitch #1 (2021)

The first community to receive a Mini-Pitch was Penelakut Tribe. This pitch was made possible by a start up donation of long term partner Vancouver Whitecaps FC, a donation from the MLS Players Association and funds raised through the Hope and Health “Tell the Truth. Be the Change.” Orange shirt campaign, featuring Maynard Johnny Jr.’s artwork.