When Manchester City was in Chicago training for the International Champions Cup, they took time to visit a local park where they became a lasting part of Chicago's soccer culture, thanks in part to contributions from the UIC soccer program.

In the spring of 2012, Man City were in town and looking for a location to construct a field through their City Soccer in the Community program.  UIC head coach Sean Phillips and select Flames players were part of a clinic to convince them that Haas Park in Logan Square was deserving of this facility due to a high interest in the game in the nearby community.  Phillips also joined the Haas Park Advisory Council in making the final presentation on behalf of the park.

The field was built with support from Manchester City, the United Arab Emirates Embassy, the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, the Chicago Park District, and First Ward Alderman Proco Joe Moreno.  Its grand opening was in October 2012, with City legends Mike Summerbee and Gary Hopkins in attendance. 

Six years on, some current City players visited the field to lead hundreds of local youths in drills and competitions.  Phillips, along with UIC players Manny Cerritos, Jacob Graiber, Markell Saddler, and Lyes Ghezali, were invited back to see the progress the field has made.

 

Standing among hundreds of local children and the pros from City, Phillips reflected on the field's origins.  "I was very excited when Joe Henry from Haas Park called to involve our program in the clinic and presentation to Man City and the other stakeholders," he said.  "I was personally thrilled to be a part of the final presentation that helped to seal the deal to build this field.  It's very gratifying to see where this park has come in six years, especially knowing that we played a small role in helping to secure the investment necessary to make it happen."

To this day, hundreds of local children use the Haas Park field for after school programs and soccer leagues, receiving coaching and instruction as well as exposure to team sports and chances to socialize with other kids.