Abu dhabi: Today, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba joined Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) CEO Madeline Bell, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson, Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., and West Philadelphia Soccer Academy (WPSA) to celebrate the completion of a brand-new, year-round soccer field at Conestoga Park in West Philadelphia, made possible through a contribution from the UAE Embassy and CHOP.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event marked a significant collaboration between the UAE, CHOP, and the City of Philadelphia, highlighting the shared commitment to fostering youth development through sports. Ambassador Al Otaiba emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, "As Philadelphia welcomes the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the UAE is proud to support the next generation of players right here in this city."
CHOP CEO Madeline Bell expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, "The Conestoga Soccer Field is a unique example of how global collaboration can benefit local communities - and the children who live in them." She further affirmed CHOP's dedication to the Philadelphia community and the success of this joint effort with the UAE.
Commissioner Slawson highlighted Conestoga Park's role as a vital community resource, saying, "This project, made possible through the support of the UAE Embassy and CHOP, reflects the commitment of Mayor Parker and the City of Philadelphia to investing in young people."
WPSA Director and Head Coach Sylvester Corbie underscored the field's impact on local youth, remarking, "Every child watching the World Cup in Philadelphia right now is dreaming of playing the beautiful game. For the first time, we have a home field worthy of those dreams."
Councilmember Jones Jr. acknowledged the positive effect on the community, stating, "The 4th District continues to grow as a destination for recreational opportunity, and this new field at Conestoga Park is a tremendous addition."
CHOP's collaboration with the UAE extends beyond this project, with a long-standing relationship formalized through agreements with major UAE health entities. This partnership includes direct clinical care for Emirati children and various programs aimed at advancing pediatric expertise and healthcare across the region.
The new field at Conestoga Park is part of a broader initiative by the UAE Embassy to support soccer fields in underserved communities across the United States, including cities such as Boston, Miami, East Los Angeles, and Washington, DC.