LA Soccer Star Cobi Jones Unveils Mini-Pitch in Fire-Impacted Pasadena On Friday, April 24, 2026, a symbolic act of renewal unfolded in Pasadena as soccer icon Cobi Jones, a former LA Galaxy player and U.S. national team legend, joined officials to unveil a mini-pitch at Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School. The event, organized by a coalition of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Pasadena Unified School District, and the city of Pasadena, marked a step toward rebuilding in a neighborhood still recovering from wildfires that ravaged the Altadena area the previous year. The pitch, dedicated to Jones, was positioned as a space for youth to play, heal, and reconnect with the sport that shaped his career. The initiative, supported by City National Bank, was framed as part of a broader effort to expand access to soccer while addressing the lingering scars of the 2025 wildfires. “If we want the game to grow, we have to invest at the community level,” said LA Galaxy President Tom Braun, emphasizing the role of grassroots development. The mini-pitch, designed for accessibility and inclusivity, was described as a “kickoff for the entire weekend” by Jones, who highlighted its significance for children and families displaced by the fires. “It gives them an opportunity—a safe space to go out and have some fun as we rebuild,” he said. The project’s origins trace back to the wildfires, which disrupted not only homes but also access to recreational activities. Arian Whitley, principal of Octavia E. Butler Magnet Middle School, noted how the fires forced students to relocate, severing their connection to sports and community.#cobi_jones #octavia_e_butler_magnet_middle_school #us_soccer_foundation #pasadena_unified_school_district #city_national_bank
