While Arlington is not the namesake for the games it will host during the FIFA World Cup, the city will permanently host a large statue commemorating the beautiful game’s time in North Texas.
On Thursday, the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee announced the statue and an organization meant to turn the World Cup’s short-term impact into a lasting legacy for the area.
The statue will be a golden soccer cleat — or boot — with a spur behind it. While a specific location has not been chosen for the statue, it will appear in the Entertainment District, officials said. When the statue will be erected in Arlington will be released in the following months, according to a press release.
Monica Paul, the head of the organizing committee, said the design fuses the cultures of Texas and soccer. The golden boot is iconic in soccer and is an award for the top scorer in a competition or league. The spur, of course, is the Texan spirit.
“From the beginning, we wanted something permanent, not temporary signage, and something that felt authentic toward Texas while honoring the global game,” Paul said.
Mayor Jim Ross said he was proud the statue will land in Arlington and serve as a testament of the impact resulting from the city hosting a tournament-high nine matches.
“It’s about a legacy that kids are going to take with them for the rest of their lives,” Ross said. “It’s about a legacy where we have the world’s eyes on North Texas. It’s about a legacy of doing something that nobody’s ever done before.”
The statue will be made out of reclaimed metal and will be sculpted by Steve Ekpenisi, a Nigerian sculptor selected by Street Art for Mankind, a national nonprofit.
The sculpture will also benefit the North Texas Sports Foundation, a nonprofit created by the organizing committee to ensure the World Cup makes a lasting impact.
Paul said the foundation will collectively raise funds around major sporting events and distribute contributions to organizations already making an impact in the community.
“The North Texas Sports Foundation is about one single thing: using a big moment like the World Cup to help the people and organizations already doing great work here at home,” Paul said.
Jaime Cabrera, director of donor relations for the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, said The National Soccer Roots is an example of a partner organization.
The National Soccer Roots, a Texas-based nonprofit organization focused on breaking down barriers to entry in sports, has already partnered with the committee to help bring miniature soccer pitches to North Texas ahead of the World Cup.
While increasing access to sports for youth is a major focus of the North Texas Sports Foundation, it will also contribute to organizations impacting education, human rights and art, Cabrera said.
One way the organization will raise funds involves a “Buy-a-Brick” campaign with the statue.
Those who donate at least $500 will have their name, or their organization’s name, etched on a brick that will surround the statue.
If you want to buy a brick, click here.
Chris Moss is a reporter for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@arlingtonreport.org.
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Great Job Chris Moss & the Team @ Fort Worth Report for sharing this story.
