Statewide Partnership Expanding the World's Game

Greater Des Moines (DSM) continues to demonstrate our commitment to bettering our community as we navigate this unique time and its unprecedented challenges. It’s become increasingly clear that our city shines brightest when we work together in this effort.

An Investment in Soccer

Pro Iowa, the campaign to bring professional soccer to Iowa, recently teamed up with Musco Lighting and Kick it Forward in a partnership to expand the world’s game. This dynamic partnership will donate 10 uniquely designed futsal-sized pitches to communities across Iowa, a $1 million investment in our state and its communities.

Futsal is a fast-paced, scaled-down soccer game played on a hard surface with dimensions similar to a basketball court. Games consist of four field players plus a goalkeeper and help develop players’ technical soccer skills.

The Benefits of Mini-Pitches  

Musco’s Mini-Pitch SystemTM Modular Sports Solutions offer an ideal opportunity to celebrate the game of soccer and help players expand their skills, but they also allow communities across our state to rejuvenate their parks and recreational offerings because the mini-pitches can be built on abandoned courts or in areas with limited space. Each mini-pitch comes with lighting, fencing, goals and benches to provide the public a safe space to play.

The first four mini-pitch locations have been solidified and will help to expand the game of soccer in DSM and Sioux City.

• Sunrise Park Pro Iowa Mini-Pitch in Pleasant Hill, Iowa
• Evelyn K. Davis Park Pro Iowa Mini-Pitch in Des Moines, Iowa
• Cheatom Park Pro Iowa Mini-Pitch in Des Moines, Iowa
• Leif Erikson Park Pro Iowa Mini-Pitch in Sioux City, Iowa

Construction of the Pro Iowa Mini-Pitch in Sunrise Park was recently completed and is open to the public!

In the coming months, we plan to identify six additional mini-pitch locations across the state.

Pro Iowa and its partners are excited to see what can happen as we create these sustainable soccer ecosystems to help young players develop. Pro Iowa aims to bolster these efforts with an iconic professional soccer stadium that serves as an anchor for the southern edge of Downtown DSM, energizes Iowa’s economy and unites people through shared experiences.

Supporting our Community

Pro Iowa continues to partner with community organizations as we navigate these uncertain times and remains focused on uniting our city through soccer.

In March, the Pro Iowa movement joined in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s #DSMStrong campaign by supporting local restaurants as owners across the state were forced to close their doors to dine-in customers. Earlier this summer, Pro Iowa teamed up with the Iowa Cubs, Iowa Wolves, Iowa Barnstormers, Des Moines Buccaneers and Des Moines Menace organizations to offer the My Des Moines Sports Activity Book as a way for children and families to remain entertained and connected to sports during the global pandemic. And Pro Iowa hosted a virtual fundraiser to benefit the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines’ Disaster Recovery Fund (COVID-19 Relief) raising more than $2,500.

The Pro Iowa movement is optimistic about the future of soccer in the DSM community and throughout the state of Iowa.

You can count on The Partnership to continue to share accurate and fact-based updates. See more on COVID-19 here.

Throughout Greater Des Moines’ (DSM’s) eight-county region, a thriving economic environment is attracting more Investors to do business. Learn more about other recent development projects in the region.