Aurora, Illinois — April 22, 2026

Today, on Earth Day, the Your Foot, My Foot Foundation and the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter are proud to announce a formal partnership dedicated to the protection and preservation of our local public spaces. By uniting the energy of grassroots soccer with the expertise of environmental advocacy, we are standing together for the land we share.

Our partnership is built on a fundamental belief: Strong communities begin with healthy, sustainable, and safe parks. 

The Sierra Club Illinois Chapter in alignment with our Outdoors For All Initiative is grounded in the reality that when Illinois youth have access to clean, safe and equitable parks they grow into the environmental champions communities need. Healthy play spaces aren’t just park amenities; they are habitat for pollinators and migratory birds as well as green infrastructure helping combat climate change. 

"There is something special about park advocacy. Athletes and fans spend hundreds of hours a year outside training, competing, and building community. It is truly an honor to bring teams, coaches, and neighbors together not just for themselves, but for the health of the park and everyone who depends on it. Everyone wins when we all do our part." - Mila Marshall Phd

As a member of the United Nations Football for the Goals (FFTG) initiative, the Your Foot, My Foot Foundation is part of a global community, mobilizing the world of football around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This grassroots action in Illinois reflects that shared commitment, contributing in particular to Climate Action (SDG 13) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (Goal 11).

"Football has the power to bring communities together and inspire action beyond the pitch. Initiatives like ‘Leave It Better’ show how local leadership can make a real difference in protecting shared spaces, strengthening communities, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in meaningful, practical ways," said Robert Skinner, Chief of Global Partnerships at the United Nations.

The Common Ground

Whether we are walking a trail, gathering for a neighborhood event, or engaging in pick up soccer, our public parks serve as the core of Illinois communities. To ensure these spaces remain vibrant for generations, we are focusing our joint efforts on three core pillars:

• Sustainable Stewardship: Shifting toward eco-friendly park management that reduces chemical runoff and protects local biodiversity.

• Safety & Equity: Ensuring that every community, especially those in historically underserved areas, has access to clean, well-maintained green spaces they can take pride in.

• Advocacy: Educating community members on environmental issues to empower them as lifelong advocates for the protection and expansion of the natural spaces that sustain us.

Community Action Event: Garfield Park Clean-Up

To kick off the initiative, the partners will host a community-led environmental action day:

● Location: Garfield Park, Aurora, Illinois

● Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026

● Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT

● Activities: Hands-on park restoration, environmental education, and community engagement.

This event encourages active participation from community members, local organizations, and city officials to ensure the longevity of Aurora’s natural heritage. The "Leave It Better" Initiative serves as the foundation for a long-term strategic collaboration focused on urban sustainability

About Your Foot, My Foot Foundation

Your Foot, My Foot Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to creating equitable access to soccer for youth in underserved communities by providing the essential equipment, safe spaces, and wellness programs needed to remove financial barriers. Guided by the principle of "moving together," the foundation works to level the playing field and empower the next generation with the tools for lifelong success both on and off the pitch.

About Sierra Club Illinois Chapter

The Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club is the state’s largest grassroots environmental organization, representing over 25,000 members and supporters dedicated to protecting Illinois’ air, land, and water. Through a combination of legislative advocacy, local community organizing, and outdoor exploration, the Chapter works to advance a just transition to clean energy and safeguard the state’s natural heritage for all.