Miami, FL — As the world’s eyes turn toward Miami during one of the most globally celebrated moments in sport, Ball Run Global and City of Miami leaders’ step forward with a message of gratitude and commitment. The Ball Run activation will serve as Miami’s heartfelt “thank you” to the millions who have visited, while delivering a meaningful, guaranteed legacy for Little Haiti FC, the only youth soccer program in all of Miami that is not pay-to-play and 100% free to children.
Ball Run Global has partnered with County, City and Corporate leaders and Little Haiti FC to ensure this legacy becomes real, substantial, and lasting. The Miami Ball Run 2026 will take place on Friday, July 17th, with kickoff at 1:00 PM at the Fountain Plaza at Government Center (111 NW 1st Street).
A City-wide Celebration of Unity, Culture, and Community Pride
Working in coordination with Miami-Dade County, City of Miami leadership, Police Department, community organizations, and local elected officials, the Ball Run will travel through Wynwood, Midtown, the Design District, and finish at the historic Little Haiti Soccer Park, with ceremonial stops that celebrate Miami’s vibrant culture while promoting unity, civic pride, and healthy lifestyles.
The event features a ceremonial relay with youth soccer participation, community celebrations, music, family-friendly activities, and appearances by City officials and community leaders. Local, national, and international media will be on site as residents and visitors experience the spirit of the beautiful game.
Miami Ball Run: Iconic History
Inspired by the Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Relay, the Ball Run is soccer’s version of the Olympic torch relay. The Ball Run was first created in Miami in 1996, when the Miami Olympic Host Committee organized a 96-mile Ball Run from Jupiter, FL to CocoWalk in Coconut Grove, FL. Ball Run 2026 carries that legacy forward, uniting neighborhoods, families, youth soccer programs, businesses, and community leaders through the universal language of soccer. Enjoy the video ( Ball Run – Footage of the Olympic torch & helicopter BR)
City Leadership Voices Support
“Ball Run 2026 represents the very best of our city, bringing people together, celebrating our diversity, and creating opportunities for families and children to participate in an unforgettable community experience,” said Mayor/Commissioner [Name]. “We are proud to support this initiative and welcome participants and visitors from around the world to the City of Miami.”
Leaving a Lasting Legacy for Miami’s Youth
More than a one-day celebration, Ball Run 2026 is designed to leave a legacy for the children of Miami. Through partnerships with Miam-Dade County Commissioners, City of Miami, community organizations, and local leaders, the event will expand opportunities for kids to participate in youth soccer regardless of financial circumstances or where they live.
Little Haiti FC has been a beacon of hope for decades, providing free access to the sport for boys and girls across Miami. To ensure this vital program continues to thrive, Ball Run 2026 is calling on corporations, sponsors, foundations, and individual donors to support Little Haiti FC’s mission.
Supporters may contribute through: Checks, PayPal and Online
Make Checks payable to: Little Haiti FC
Every contribution helps guarantee that Miami’s children, especially those in underserved communities, have access to coaching, mentorship, safe play spaces, and life-changing opportunities.
Companies interested in sponsoring the Miami Ball Run may contact Ball Run Global LLC at 305-987-5505 or tom.mulroy@ballrunglobal.com.
Ball Runners:
More than 75 Ball Runners, including historic World Cup players, professional athletes, cultural icons, and influencers, will participate alongside youth players from Little Haiti FC and other local clubs, community leaders, and Miami’s business community.
“Our vision is to unite humanity, one community at a time, through the world’s game” said Soccer Tom Mulroy, Founder of Ball Run 2026. “We want every child in Miami to feel connected to this global celebration and know that it belongs to them. If Ball Run inspires even one child to dream bigger, become more active, or discover a lifelong love for soccer, then we will have created a legacy that extends far beyond 2026.”
