What was it?
Kids Free Soccer Clinics
Pick-Up Games
Contests and giveaways
Free Play
Big Projector Set-up and Secondary Screens
Kids Soccer Craft Table
SoFive Cafe’ and Lounge (50% off beer/wine!)
Binho Board Set-Up
Additional Upstairs Viewing Area
Video Game Lounge
Couches and Lounge Vibes
The World Cup Pop Up Party was the first event for The Footy Club. We partnered with local teams, non-profits, and companies to throw a World Cup Watch party to get kids of all ages excited about the World Cup (and soccer, in general). The full schedule of activities that we did is available here.
Mission
Our mission was provide an awesome environment to watch World Cup games, provide activities and entertainment for kids of all ages, forge strategic partnerships that promoted the growth of local soccer, and create a buzz in the DMV around the world’s most beautiful game.
Dates
From November 21 - 27, 2023 (with the exception of Thanksgiving) and then for the final USA game on November 29th, we played all 11am and 2pm games in the Watch Party space.
About the Space
We’re partnered with SoFive Soccer Facility in Columbia, Maryland because the space perfectly fit the mission of the pop-up. There were three main sections of the party.
The Fields
The fields were open for pick-up games, free play, clinics, and more. We also ran a “half time show” with prizes and giveaways from 1pm - 2pm. Join us for “Top Bins” contest.
The Bar Area
The bar area was equipped with 7 TVs and a big projection screen TV located right next to the field and cafe/bar area. So you can keep an eye on your kids and catch the games while doing so. We’re also had some kid’s activities (soccer sticker station, coloring, panini sticker trading table) set-up in this area as well.
The Viewing Deck
High above the SoFive Soccer Complex is an awesome little lounge area. We had FIFA set-up for kids on several TVs for the kids to have the option to play on.
We ran the event because we believe that the growth of Soccer in the United States is inevitable. In fact, we believe we’re on the verge of full on soccer craze in the country. The top leagues are widely available on TV, our domestic leagues have seen tremendous growth, and our Men’s National Team has the potential to be great in the coming years. It is coming. And with the 2026 World Cup coming, we’re just getting started.
If you are interested in working on the project with me, do not hesitate to send me an email @ msteenstra5@gmail.com or give me call/text (973) 943-0359.
Sponsors
Partners
News Coverage
World Cup Pop Up Party Partners with Maryland Bobcats FC (Maryland’s only outdoor professional team)
WMAR 2 ABC Baltimore - Partnership with Maryland Bobcats
World Cup Pop Up Party Partners with Off the Charts (Non-profit that aims to comfort and empower children with cancer.)
Bars, watch parties and more: Where to watch the World Cup in the DC area - WTOP
For Baltimore soccer fans and bar owners alike, watching 2022 FIFA World Cup is what it’s all about - Baltimore Sun