On the morning of Saturday, October 23rd, neighborhood volunteers and soccer fans from all over the region will be tackling trash in Dutchtown. Afterward, fans will be treated to friendly pick-up games on the soccer field and futsal court at Marquette Park.

The Cleanup

Volunteers will assemble near the futsal court at Gasconade and Virginia at 9am. Water, snacks, and tools will be provided. The team will take to the park, as well as the nearby blocks and alleys, to hunt for litter. With two trucks and an oversized dumpster from the city, we’ll be able to haul away any bulky items that might be found along the way.

Nearby neighbors are encouraged to get in on the action by cleaning up their own slice of the neighborhood. Pick up litter out front, clean up your alley out back, or do some yard work to help your block shine.

Paid Opportunities for Participating Youth

Neighbors ages 16 to 24 can earn $10 an hour for up to eight hours by coming out and helping with the cleanup efforts. Email kicstlouis@gmail.com or call (314) 265-6186 to register. Pre-registration is required to receive payment.

The Soccer

After the cleanup, players will take to the fields at noon. There will be opportunities for pick-up games, so feel free to come by for your chance to jump in. The athletic programming will be led by Umoja St. Louis Soccer and the St. Louligans.

Umoja Soccer organizes adult teams and works with youth as well, predominantly immigrants from Africa. The St. Louligans are a group of soccer fans and supporters and promoters of the sport throughout the region. Soccer has a long history at Marquette Park. With the new futsal court at Marquette Park, built in conjunction with St. Louis CITY SC and other partners, we hope to further establish Dutchtown on the map as a destination for soccer players and fans.

St. Louis CITY SC Youth Soccer Clinic

In addition to the afternoon’s soccer programming, St. Louis’ MLS team will also be putting on a clinic in the morning for youths age 5–12. The clinic is free, but advance registration is required. The program runs from 9:30am to 11am.

The Sponsors

The volunteer-led cleanup effort is spearheaded by Dutchtown Main Streets and SLACO (St. Louis Association of Community Organizations). Umoja St. Louis Soccer and the St. Louligans lead the soccer festivities of the afternoon. Additional community partners include Cure Violence Dutchtown, Dutchtown South Community Corporation, Garcia Properties, Gurung Bazaar, La Liga Latino Americana, Lou Fusz Ford, Lutheran Development Group, St. Joseph Housing Initiative, and Vitendo 4 Africa.