Humboldt Park, Chicago – Dozens of children and cheerleaders gathered Thursday evening to practice on the neighborhood’s first dedicated football field, a project that marks a major milestone for the Humboldt Park Patriots youth program.
New field, bigger program
The field, located at the corner of Division Street and Humboldt Drive adjacent to the park boathouse, was completed just in time for the fall season. With the new grass surface, goalposts, scoreboard and painted lines, the Patriots can finally host games without relying on borrowed baseball diamonds.
Since its inception over 20 years ago as an after‑school activity run by a local church, the program has grown dramatically. This year the team fields six age‑group squads for kids ages 6 to 13, a junior‑varsity cheerleading unit and a “Mighty Mites” group for younger girls. Participation has risen to 170 youth players – up from 102 last season – and the roster now includes 32 cheerleaders.
Community support fuels growth
Longtime head coach and team president Pat Murray, who has led the Patriots for 22 years, praised the field as a tangible sign of what Chicago can achieve for underserved neighborhoods. “Celebrating a new field and an open space right off the street – that’s what Chicago should be, and what our kids deserve,” Murray said.
The project was made possible through a partnership of parents, volunteers and local officials. Alderman Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward) allocated $400,000 from the neighborhood’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, while Chicago Park District staff installed the goalposts, scoreboard, bleachers and field markings.
Additional donations and grants from community partners have allowed the Patriots to expand storage, equipment, concessions and summer clinics. Parent board member Nicole Dalesandro, who helped secure many of the funds, called the season “the Patriots on steroids.”
Players feel the difference
Team captains 13‑year‑olds Anthony Perez and Meyer Gavzer said the new field makes a huge difference in practice and game play. “We can see the lines clearly and the goalposts are the right size,” Gavzer noted. Younger player Max Rosato, who previously played on a baseball field, described the new venue as “pretty nice” and appreciated having a team close to home.
The addition of a full cheerleading squad has also drawn more families, especially girls, into the program. Eleven‑year‑old Aliana Jimenez joined the cheer team to support her brother and says the experience has inspired her to continue cheer in high school.
Looking ahead
While the Patriots celebrate the field’s opening, coaches and parents are already planning future improvements, including lights for night games, a sound system, additional bleachers and public restrooms.
For now, the focus is on the upcoming Homecoming weekend. Families are preparing signs, cheerleaders are perfecting routines and vendors will operate a concession stand. The six home games begin at 9:30 a.m. on the new field, with additional matchups scheduled for September 12 and September 26.
The Humboldt Park Patriots’ growth demonstrates how a dedicated community effort can provide safe, affordable recreation for all children, regardless of family income, and reinforces the neighborhood’s commitment to fostering strong families and faith‑centered values.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
