parks
As youth soccer grows in the Bay area, some kids still struggle for opportunities to play
By Tejal Wakchoure and Katharine Lee at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 8 min read
Neha Ma was 7 years old when she arrived in the United States from a refugee camp in northern Thailand. She only knew three English words at the time, she said.
Soccer became her lifeline in America, where everything from the language to the culture was new, she said. The sport connected her w...
Key takeaway She only knew three English words at the time, she said.
Why this matters in The San Francisco
The growth of youth soccer in the Bay Area is a welcome trend, but the uneven distribution of soccer fields across neighborhoods is a pressing concern for San Francisco 's community. Despite the creation of over 800 new soccer fields in the area since 2014, many children still lack access to a field within walking distance of their homes. This disparity is particularly felt in lower-income neighborhoods, where pay-to-play models can be a significant barrier to participation. Programs like Soccer Without Borders, which offers free soccer programs and educational opportunities, are helping to bridge this gap. However, more needs to be done to ensure that all children in San Francisco have equal access to recreational spaces, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. The city's parks and recreation department should prioritize the development of new soccer fields in underserved neighborhoods, providing more opportunities for kids to get involved in the sport.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Neha Ma was 7 years old when she arrived in the United States from a refugee camp in northern Thailand. She only knew three English words at the time, she said.
Soccer became her lifeline in America, where everything from the language to the culture was new, she said. The sport connected her w...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tejal Wakchoure and Katharine Lee at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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