Generations have played in the streets

The URBN BALR mission is clear. We want to give our community safe places to play sports, where anyone can enjoy the benefits of being active in a positive environment. It's about inclusion, community, and a fresh new environment. Small-sided street games are fast and exhilarating. Players gain more touches on the ball and learn that control, speed, and quickness are crucial to playing on small fields. Champions like Neymar, Messi, Mbappe, and Pogba will quickly tell you that growing up playing street ball was fundamental in their skills, style, and competitiveness.

"If you look at anyone, Neymar, Mbappe, Messi, they came from the streets playing for fun. These players formed the skills they have from when they played as kids. I think that is crucial to other countries' development, and in America, we need that environment.

I love anything that gets kids out to play, environments where they can try things and be themselves, no one's judging them, and they can be unique. Playing with others on a fast court with a smaller ball helps you solve things quicker, think quicker, react quicker. It makes you try to be ahead of your opponent. I believe that is a massive part of what makes great players great."

-ALLIE LONG USWNT WORLD CUP CHAMPION