Eastern NY Youth Soccer Association

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Press Release

A Coaching Pass From Eastern New York is a Very High Standard

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

September 17, 2026-Perhaps because the World Cup was played here this past summer but there are now many soccer coaches advertising their training and tutoring ability to soccer families. Parents certainly need to ask what their credentials are before hiring them. A good place to start would be to ask to see their coaching or training pass from the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA).

Every person must complete a coaching course before receiving a pass to coach in an Eastern New York league.

Additionally, Eastern New York conducts background checks on coaches before they can be rostered in any of our leagues. They must pass this background check every two years to continue to be involved in our competitions. 

Eastern New York coaches must watch periodic videos on preventing abuse, bullying and assault from the US Center for Safe Sport as well as receive concussion awareness training from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Additionally, coaches who have completed advanced courses also watch annual videos from US Soccer on head injuries, mental illness and how to respond to medical emergencies at the field.

So if local coaches do not have a pass from Eastern New York or an affiliated league, you don’t know exactly what you are getting when you hire them.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Nominations Are Open For the US Soccer AGM Awards 

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

September 18, 2026-The US Soccer AGM Awards recognizes individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the sport and our soccer community. We encourage you to take a little time from your busy day to nominate someone deserving recognition for their leadership, service, innovation or dedication in advancing US Soccer’s Generational Ambitions – US Soccer Success, US Soccer is Yours and US Soccer Everywhere.

Fernando G. Alvarez Referee Champion Award-This award honors those who dedicate their time, wisdom and passion to championing refereeing in the United States. Nominees may be leaders, mentors or advocates who inspire, support and positively advance refereeing.

Nominate a Referee Champion

Kim Crabbe Game Changers Award-This award recognizes individuals who have created positive, lasting change by addressing social challenges in their communities through impact, creativity, sustainability and expanded opportunity in the game.

Nominate a Game Changer

Carla Overbeck Leadership Award-Recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership within the US Soccer landscape—motivating and mentoring others, leading by example, adapting to change and fostering collaboration across membership.

Nominate a Leader

Werner Fricker Builder Award-Honors individuals with at least 20 years of service to soccer who have made a significant national impact, built programs that outlast their involvement and demonstrated distinguished service to the sport. Nominees must be living at the time of nomination.

Nominate a Builder

Nominations for all awards close on Friday, October 16.  

The four recipients will be celebrated at the 2027 Awards Dinner held on Saturday, March 13 at the US Soccer Annual General Meeting in Atlanta. 

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

All Our Players Should Be Learning About Sportsmanship

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

September 10, 2026-It’s mathematically impossible for the two teams competing to win a soccer game but both squads should be having fun. In a Project Play survey of youth soccer players in the New York City metro area last year, 48% of kids said playing with their friends, 46% replied having fun and 45% said learning or improving skills were their reasons for playing youth soccer. Only 23% cited winning as the reason. 

Few kids in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) will receive college scholarships or go on to play professional soccer but all should be learning about sportsmanship and treating others the way that they want to be treated so that they become better people. 

Courtesy of the Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League

Opposing coaches can get off to a good start by greeting one another when they arrive at the field as a number of refs have reported that games can go much smoother because of this. Players and spectators follow the lead of their coach on how to behave.

As Eastern New York leagues kick off the Fall Season this month, let’s see great goals, good saves and Fair Play in every game.

There are approximately 25 million handshakes after Eastern New York matches annually.
Photo courtesy of the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

Get Back on the Soccer Scene By Becoming a Referee

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

September 8, 2026-As the summer tournaments have concluded and the Fall Season kicks off this month, some adults are feeling withdrawal symptoms since the soccer team they coached or watched for years has aged out of youth soccer. And there are players whose team has also graduated from youth soccer who are thinking about a new challenge.

Stay involved with the Beautiful Game by becoming a youth soccer referee or assistant ref. There are many wonderful things that happen when a person starts to ref including learning more about the game from a different perspective, learning to manage people, staying or becoming fit, earning money and expanding yourself by leaving your comfort zone.

Photo courtesy of the Long Island Junior Soccer League

The growth of the membership and programs of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has created a continuous need for more soccer referees and assistant refs. There are certification classes held throughout Eastern New York.

The minimum age is 14 years old to become certified and the certification class consists of online learning, a Zoom meeting and a field session.  For more information, log on to https://enysreferee.org/how-to-become-a-referee/. If you have any questions, e-mail questions@enysreferee.org

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/ 

Eastern New York Supports the Historic Integration of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer

State Associations helped shape the decision and will play and even larger role in creating new opportunities to strengthen soccer in communities across the country.

August 31, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) has joined state associations across the country in supporting a historic step to make US Youth Soccer (USYS) part of US Soccer, bringing the organizations closer together to invest more in local soccer and create better experiences for players and families. Creating greater alignment across the game and new opportunities to strengthen soccer locally. 

USYS State Associations voted to approve the change during their Annual General Meeting, which will begin a two-year integration process starting on September 1, 2026. The decision brings USYS’s decades of experience and reach across youth soccer closer together with US Soccer’s resources and national scale. 

“This is an exciting moment for soccer in Eastern New York and across the country,” said ENYYSA President Richard Christiano. “We supported this decision because we believe we can accomplish more for the game by working together. Our clubs, leagues and communities have built an incredible foundation for soccer in Eastern New York. US Soccer has made a real commitment to investing more in the game locally, which gives us an opportunity to build on what we’ve created with greater resources, stronger connections and the full weight of US Soccer behind our shared goal of growing and improving the game.” 

What This Means for Soccer in Eastern New York 

The integration begins a two-year process in which State Associations will work closely with US Soccer and USYS to help shape the future of soccer in communities around the country. 

The goal is to create a stronger and more connected soccer system that can: 

  • Bring more resources and investment to soccer locally. 
  • Strengthen State Associations and their ability to support and grow the game in their communities. 
  • Create more opportunities for people to play and stay in the game. 
  • Better support clubs, leagues, coaches and referees serving players every day. 
  • Make soccer easier for families to understand and navigate. 
  • Connect local communities more directly to US Soccer and the resources, expertise and opportunities available nationally. 

The integration is part of US Soccer’s broader Pathways Strategy, which brings together members and stakeholders from across American soccer to create a more connected future for the game. For Eastern New York, that future starts locally building on the work already happening in our communities and creating the support, investment and opportunities to help soccer reach even more people across our state association. 

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/ 

Eastern New York ODP Places 24 Players on the Interregional Team

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

August 30, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased to announce that 24 players from our Olympic Development Program (ODP) have been selected for the Interregional Team. 

The breakdown is as follows:
2010 Boys-Jaedan Coleman, Ibrahima Diallo, Ely Tai
2011 Boys-Kenneth Cabanas, Noah Garcia, Angelo O’Connor
2012 Boys-Aaron Pantophlet
2013 Boys-Gavin Deyo, Darina Mu, Roan Prenga
2014 Boys-Carter Williams
2009 Girls-Abigail Woodruff
2010 Girls-Charlotte Laraque, Beatrix Milledge
2011 Girls-Valentina Marquardt, Emily O’Brien
2012 Girls-Calianna Robilotti
2013 Girls-Teddyanne Calixte, Samone Spivey
2014 Girls-Saige Bullen, Brynn Hullah, Julia Nordman, Antonia Purificato, Catherine Smolenski

“We’re happy and excited that these players are getting the recognition they deserve,” stated Interim ODP Director Bryan Knight. “We are also pleased that they have advanced to the level they are at and look forward to them representing Eastern New York at the highest levels of the game.”

Next January in Florida, these players will have the opportunity to be selected to the ODP National Team. 

ODP is a high-level supplementary program where players are guaranteed to be seen by national and regional coaches. Eastern New York boasts one of the strongest ODP programs in the country and the development of stars like current US National Team players Sam Coffey, Claire Hutton, Joe Scally and Phallon Tullis-Joyce are a testament to the program’s excellence.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/ 

ENYYSA Teams Can Receive a Free Sideline Camera and Subscription

August 20, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is proud to announce Trace as its new Official Sideline Video partner.

Trace, established in 2011, is revolutionizing the use of video by leveraging AI technology to seamlessly identify, follow and spotlight each player on the field, automatically delivering a personalized playlist of individual highlights for every player after each game.

Additionally, Trace cameras are specifically designed to provide an enhanced viewing experience, allowing parents, coaches, and scouts to zoom in and follow a player throughout the match. Account users can also rewatch their plays, use video to develop their skills and share highlight playlists with friends, family, and recruiters.


Under the partnership, every team registered with an ENYYSA member club, from recreational to premier, can claim a complimentary sideline camera and PlayerFocus™ Pro subscription, bringing automated game film to sidelines across all ten of Eastern New York’s member leagues. Each team claims its own equipment directly at the partner checkout page, with instructions provided throughout the process.

“Every one of our member clubs, from our biggest programs to our smallest grassroots leagues, now has access to the same video technology top programs pay thousands for. Partnering with Trace means our coaches spend less time worrying about who’s filming the game, and our families have access to every highlight without lifting a finger,” said Tom Frambach, Director of Marketing & Membership Programs, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association.

“Eastern New York is one of the largest, most established youth soccer associations in the country, with ten leagues and more than 100,000 players across the region. Giving every one of their member teams a free camera and access to automatic highlights is exactly the kind of value we want partnerships like this to deliver. We can’t wait to see cameras on sidelines across all ten of their member leagues,” stated Gentry Contreras, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Trace.

Teams interested in requesting their free Trace camera and PlayerFocus™ Pro subscription should visit traceup.com/partner/eastern-new-york-youth-soccer to begin. Use code ENYFREE at checkout. Must be redeemed at checkout with a new camera.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/ 

Sean Mahoney Receives a Cortlandt ODP Scholarship From Eastern New York

By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

August 13, 2026-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is pleased to announce that Sean Mahoney is receiving a scholarship through the Cortlandt ODP College Scholarship Program. ODP, short for the Olympic Development Program (ODP), is a high-level supplementary soccer program and players are guaranteed to be scouted by national and regional coaches. Eastern New York would particularly like to thank the Cortlandt Soccer Club for funding this scholarship. 

Sean has played for Eastern New York ODP for seven years, represented the East Region three times and was the East Region team’s captain this past year. Additionally, he played for the ODP National Team in both 2025 and ’26.

From his midfield position, the Baldwin resident helped lead New York Hota Bavarian 2008 Blue to the State Cup and Regional championship last year as well as the semifinals of Nationals and to the State Cup title this year.

Sean was on the honor roll at Oceanside High School where he was a 3-year varsity starter. He captained the Sailors last fall to the Conference AAA championship and was named Class AAA Player of the Year, All-County, All-State, All-Region while leading Class AAA with 17 assists. 

Sean wrote in his essay that “I made lifelong friends through ODP, both players and coaches at the state, regional and national levels. I’m proud of the trust my coaches put in me to be a leader and I hope that I lived up to their expectations. My favorite moment was playing Juventus in Italy in front of 1,000 people. ODP was a great experience that I would not change for the world!”

We wish Sean the best studying and playing soccer at Cortland State this fall.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/ 

Soccer Forward Helping Keep Girls in the Game

July 29, 2026-During the World Cup, Soccer Forward hosted a workshop at the Central Park FIFA Arena on July 16 to spotlight one of the most pressing issues in youth sports: keeping girls in the game and equipping the coaches who can make it happen.

The numbers are striking. Up to 51% of girls drop out of sports by age 17, with the sharpest decline occurring around puberty. Yet the benefits of staying in sports are profound. Girls who participate report 1.5 times higher levels of meaning and purpose than those who never play. Soccer offers far more than physical activity, it creates space for belonging, friendship, confidence and identity during some of the most formative years of a young person’s life. We also know the environment matters enormously. Inadequate coaching and a lack of female role models are consistently cited as two of the leading drivers of dropout, which the workshop addressed.

Developed with support from Soccer Forward’s Kang Women’s Institute, the workshop brought together coaches from partner organizations in the local area such as the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) to explore how to get girls in the game, keep them in the game and support them through it.

With over 100,000 youth soccer players––both boys and girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border, east of Route 81. ENYYSA encourages the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Children With Special Needs. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of US Soccer and US Youth Soccer. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/

The Community Impact of the 2026 World Cup

More than 5,000 young people participated in clinics, Pitch Days, tournaments, community events and youth programming across New York and New Jersey. Established partnerships with organizations to create lasting soccer infrastructure, with more than a dozen mini pitch projects completed or in development, with more to come. Free fan experiences, expanded access to matches, community programming and soccer infrastructure establish a foundation for continued growth of the game across the region.

NEW YORK NEW JERSEY — As FIFA World Cup 2026™ has concluded, the New York New Jersey Host Committee today highlighted the lasting investments, partnerships and community initiatives created through the tournament to expand access to soccer and ensure young people across the region share in the legacy of the tournament.

Over the past several years, the Host Committee has worked alongside state and local governments, youth soccer organizations, professional clubs, nonprofit partners, its Host City Supporters, and community leaders to bring the experience of the FIFA World Cup directly into neighborhoods across New York and New Jersey. These efforts have reached tens of thousands of young people across both New York and New Jersey.

Through free clinics and community events, new places to play, affordable and no-cost access to matches and fan experiences distributed throughout the region, these partnerships have helped remove barriers to participation and create more opportunities for young people to engage with the game.

“The greatest legacy of hosting the FIFA World Cup will be the next generation of players who pick up a soccer ball because of what they experienced this summer,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee. “By expanding access to the game, investing in communities and bringing partners together across New York and New Jersey, we’ve created opportunities that will continue inspiring young people and strengthening soccer across our region for years to come.”

“The FIFA World Cup has brought people from all over the world together, and here in New York, we want to keep that energy going for children across the state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “That’s why I launched NY Kicks — to continue to bring kids and families together and give them another space to get offline, get outside and keep that joy for the sport with them for many, many years ahead.”

“Hosting the World Cup in New Jersey has been a tremendous honor. Up and down our state, we have seen our communities rally around this tournament. From our downtowns to our fan zones, people across New Jersey, from all different backgrounds, have joined in the festivities and taken part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “Years from now, today’s kids will remember that the World Cup Final was played right here in the Garden State. I hope this tournament sparks a lifelong love of the game, strengthens youth sports in every corner of our state, and inspires the next generation to dream big and work hard. That’s a legacy that extends far beyond this tournament.”

“We said from the beginning that the World Cup belongs to New Yorkers. This summer, we proved it,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “In the most international city on earth, you didn’t need thousands of dollars to be part of the world’s game. A kid in Corona, a nurse in Bay Ridge and a small business owner in Little Haiti could all celebrate together — for free or at a price they could afford. That’s what we mean when we talk about a city for the many. This summer, strangers became neighbors on Open Streets and in free Fan Fests across the city because government made room for people to come together. And long after the confetti is swept away, New Yorkers will keep what we built: safer streets, faster buses, stronger protections, closer neighbors and the memory of a summer when the whole world felt at home here.”

Bringing the World Cup to Every Community

From the earliest stages of planning, the NYNJ Host Committee worked to ensure the FIFA World Cup reached far beyond New York New Jersey Stadium. Through partnerships with governments, schools, youth organizations, professional clubs and nonprofit organizations, the Host Committee focused on expanding opportunities for young people to experience and participate in the world’s largest sporting event.

A centerpiece of those efforts was the Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour, which brought the excitement of the FIFA World Cup directly into communities across New York and New Jersey in the months leading up to and throughout the tournament. Traveling to cities and neighborhoods throughout the region, the mobile fan experience featured youth soccer programming, games, giveaways, athlete ambassador appearances and opportunities for families to celebrate the World Cup close to home.

Since 2024, the Host Committee and its partners have engaged tens of thousands of youth through the following initiatives:

  • Directly engaged more than 5,000 young people through clinics, Pitch Days, tournaments, community events and youth programming.
  • Provided more than 2,000 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans with access to FIFA World Cup matches through free and affordable ticket initiatives.
  • Hosted free official fan experiences across New Jersey and all five boroughs of New York City, ensuring communities throughout the region had opportunities to participate in the tournament.
  • Delivered free youth soccer programming at official Host Committee fan destinations through partnerships with local organizations.
  • Partnered on the installation of over a dozen community mini pitches, and counting, that will continue serving neighborhoods after the tournament concludes.

Additional programming included professional player and athlete ambassador meet-and-greets and opportunities for youth organizations to attend FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches, international friendlies, and matches hosted by the region’s professional soccer clubs.

Expanding Access to the World Cup

All official Host Committee fan experiences were made free to attend and were distributed across New Jersey and all five boroughs of New York City, allowing residents to participate in the tournament close to home and without the cost of admission.

Each official fan destination incorporated youth soccer programming delivered by organizations with deep ties to the communities they serve. Programming partners included:

  • Ironbound Soccer Club and the New York Red Bulls Academy at Jersey Fan Hub;
  • South Bronx United in the Bronx;
  • City in the Community in Queens;
  • Because We Can on Staten Island; and
  • Gotham FC and New York City FC at the official NYNJ World Cup 26™ & Telemundo Fan Village at Rockefeller Center.

By pairing free match viewing and fan programming with clinics, small-sided games and youth activities, the Host Committee created opportunities for young people to experience the tournament as active participants in their own communities.

The Host Committee also worked with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and corporate and nonprofit partners to expand access to FIFA World Cup matches.

Through those partnerships, more than 2,000 New Yorkers and New Jerseyans received opportunities to attend matches at no cost or through affordable ticket programs.

Ticket initiatives prioritized working families, young people, community organizations, first responders, military families, health care workers and residents who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to attend the tournament.

These efforts reflected the Host Committee’s broader commitment to ensuring communities throughout the region could experience and participate in the FIFA World Cup.

Creating More Places to Play

The Host Committee, with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and its Host City Supporters have also supported the development of new mini pitches and community soccer facilities throughout New York and New Jersey.

To date, 17 mini pitches have been completed or are under development in the following communities:

New York

  • S. X463 (Bronx) — Supported by Related Companies/Bronx Terminal Market
  • S. 112 (Bronx) — Supported by Airbnb
  • S. 102 (Queens) — Supported by Airbnb
  • S. 394 (Brooklyn) — Supported by Airbnb
  • S. 40 (Staten Island) — Supported by Airbnb

New Jersey

  • Joseph H. Brensinger School – PS 17 (Jersey City) — NYNJ Host Committee X U.S. Soccer Foundation
  • Harrison High School (Harrison) — Supported by PSE&G
  • Memorial Park (Lodi) — Supported by PSE&G
  • Municipal Building Park (Hamilton Township) — Supported by PSE&G
  • Camden Street Elementary School (Newark) — Supported by PSE&G
  • Hawkins Street Elementary School (Newark) — Supported by Johnson & Johnson
  • Asbury Park High School (Asbury Park) — Supported by Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Pulaski Park (Hackensack) — Supported by Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Acacia Youth Center (Woodbridge) — Supported by Hackensack Meridian Health
  • Florence Avenue Elementary School (Irvington) — Supported by Airbnb
  • Cadwalader Park (Trenton) — Supported by Bristol Myers Squibb
  • KIPP Academy Newark (Newark) — Supported by Onyx Equities

The mini pitches are designed to provide safe, accessible and high-quality places for young people to play in communities where available dedicated soccer spaces may be limited.

The tournament also served as a catalyst for broader public investments and new initiatives intended to grow the game across New York.

New York State launched the $5 million NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund to support the construction and improvement of soccer infrastructure in underserved communities across the state. An additional $1 million will support programming, equipment, uniforms, coaching and other operating needs to help communities maximize use of the new facilities.

In New York City, Mayor Mamdani launched Soccer Streets, transforming streets outside 50 public schools across all five boroughs into temporary soccer spaces and community events in the lead-up to the tournament.

The City also launched NYC Open Play, providing free overnight pickup soccer at one field in each borough during the tournament and expanding opportunities for residents to participate in the game at no cost.

Together, these initiatives represent a significant regional investment in both the physical infrastructure and community programming necessary to create more consistent and affordable opportunities to play.

A Regional Partnership to Grow the Game

The Host Committee’s youth and community engagement work was made possible through collaboration with organizations across New York and New Jersey, including:

  • Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
  • New Jersey Youth Soccer Association
  • Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey
  • YMCA of Greater New York
  • Ironbound Soccer Club
  • City in the Community
  • South Bronx United
  • Street Soccer USA
  • Special Olympics
  • Because We Can
  • Gotham FC
  • New York Red Bulls
  • New York City FC
  • U.S. Soccer Foundation
  • Soccer Forward Foundation

By investing in neighborhood infrastructure, supporting free programming, expanding access to matches and strengthening the organizations already serving local families, the FIFA World Cup has helped create new pathways for young people across New York and New Jersey to play, participate and see themselves in the future of soccer.

“We are grateful to the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee for providing players from across the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from U.S. Soccer legends Kristine Lilly, Kristie Mewis, and Brad Friedel at the Panini Skills Clinic held at the iconic Rockefeller Center. Experiences like these inspire the next generation, helping young players dream big, fall in love with the game, and create memories that will last a lifetime. As the FIFA World Cup shines a spotlight on our region, we look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities for young players across New York.” — Rich Christiano, President, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association

“The FIFA World Cup has always been about more than just the matches on the field; it also serves as an opportunity to inspire the next generation and make soccer more accessible to communities throughout New Jersey and New York. Through our partnership with the New York New Jersey FIFA World Cup Host Committee, we have created unforgettable experiences for thousands of young players and their families. These experiences include clinics, community events, and unique opportunities to witness the world’s biggest sporting event up close. We take pride in our work together ensuring that the legacy of the World Cup lasts beyond the final whistle, helping more young people develop a lifelong love for the beautiful game.” — Evan Dabby, CEO, New Jersey Youth Soccer Association

“Some moments stay with you long after they’re over, and this was certainly one of them. Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey is incredibly grateful to the NYNJ Host Committee for creating unforgettable experiences and opportunities for the young people we serve. As a former Boys & Girls Club member myself, I know firsthand how powerful opportunities like these can be in building confidence, inspiring aspirations, and shaping a young person’s future. We are proud to have partnered with the NYNJ Host Committee to ensure our Club youth were not only spectators of this historic moment, but active participants in the celebration. Thank you for investing in our young people and helping create memories that will last a lifetime.” — Nuno Francisco, Board President, Boys & Girls Clubs in New Jersey

“In the course of expertly hosting visitors from across the globe, the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee also managed to create dozens of magical moments for the youth of New York City. We are thrilled that YMCA campers, youth, teens, and families had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to take part in clinics and watch parties and even attend a World Cup match over the last two weeks. The YMCA is grateful to the Host Committee for so thoughtfully including young New Yorkers in this extraordinary event, and for inspiring the next generation’s love of soccer.” — Sharon Greenberger, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater New York

“On behalf of Ironbound Soccer Club, we are incredibly proud to have partnered with the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee at the Sports Illustrated Area Fan Festival to bring the excitement of the World Cup directly to our community. Watching thousands of young people and families come together to play, learn, and celebrate the world’s game reminds us that soccer is about so much more than competition – it is about connection, opportunity, and belonging. Experiences like these inspire the next generation, strengthen our community, and create lifelong memories. The passion, joy, and love for the game we witnessed throughout the Fan Hub truly showcased the spirit of NYNJ and demonstrated the incredible power of soccer to unite people from around the world!” — Nick Lavrador, Director of Coaching, Ironbound SC

“At City in the Community, our mission is to empower young people through soccer by expanding access, creating opportunity, and strengthening communities across New York City. We are incredibly grateful to the New York New Jersey Host Committee for genuinely sharing in that mission, working alongside community partners, and championing our young people every step of the way. Their commitment to collaboration and placing community organizations at the center set a powerful standard for how major sporting events can create meaningful local impact and helped realize what we believe is the greatest legacy of the FIFA World Cup: lasting opportunity for young people and communities.” — Bailee Eaglin, Executive Director, City in the Community

“South Bronx United thanks the New York New Jersey Host Committee for including in this incredible World Cup season that brought the biggest event in the world to our doorstep. Where communities like ours often get overlooked, the Committee has prioritized ensuring youth from underserved communities have had access to unique opportunities during this exciting time. Thank you!” — Andrew So, Executive Director, South Bronx United

“We are grateful to NYNJ Host Committee for promoting a lasting legacy to the FIFA World Cup. Street Soccer USA is proud to have secured over $5M and already invested over $2.5M in new soccer facilities and learning centers, in high need neighborhoods in New York City, four of which opened prior to the World Cup this summer.  In addition, we have served over 10,000 NYC youth this summer through summer camps and cups across every borough including the Central Park FIFA arena at no cost to participants, helping to ensure that the FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York New Jersey is the beginning of long term impact, and showing what New York and New Jersey can do when you build from the bottom up!” — Lawrence Cann, Founder & President, Street Soccer USA

“Through the power of sport, Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) provides training, competition, and health opportunities focused on inclusion for children and adults with intellectual disabilities across our great state. The World Cup brought people together from across the globe through the power of sport and a ball. SONJ is proud and grateful for the opportunity to be included in World Cup festivities in New Jersey and on the pitch! We thank Governor Sherrill and the NYNJ Host Committee for their support and for including our athletes in this amazing journey. It will be the dream of a lifetime for our athletes and their families to watch the World Cup final in person this Sunday.” — Heather Andersen, President & CEO, Special Olympics of New Jersey

“Soccer has the power to unite a city, inspire a generation, and create change that endures far beyond the final whistle. This World Cup has shown what is possible when we use the world’s game to bring people together, invest in young people, and strengthen our communities. We are deeply grateful to the New York New Jersey Host Committee for its partnership, its extraordinary work, and its commitment to ensuring this tournament created meaningful opportunities for New Yorkers. Its greatest legacy will be measured not only by what happened on the field, but by the lasting positive impact it leaves for young people and communities across all five boroughs and beyond.” — Brad Sims, CEO, New York City FC

“Hosting the NYNJ World Cup 26 Jersey Fan Hub at Sports Illustrated Stadium has been one of the proudest chapters in our stadium’s history. Working alongside the NYNJ Host Committee, we’ve been able to welcome tens of thousands of fans to experience the world’s game together. The memories made here this summer will shape the next generation of soccer fans in our region, and that’s a legacy we’re honored to be part of.” — Christoph Schoenbeck, Head of Stadium Events, Red Bull New York’s Sports Illustrated Stadium

“From day one, more than three years ago, we’ve been proud to partner with FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host Committee to imagine how this moment could leave a lasting legacy on youth and communities. Together, we’re building 10 more safe places to play, training coaches as mentors, and have engaged more than 240,000 young people across New York and New Jersey in the Foundation’s in-school, after-school, and Just Ball community league soccer programs. Our work will continue long after the final whistle, so that underserved communities and families have greater access to our beautiful game and the many benefits that come with play.” — Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation

“The FIFA World Cup created an extraordinary moment for our game, but its greatest success will be measured by the legacy we leave behind—and the work during the tournament is only the beginning. Across New York and New Jersey, we’ve seen what’s possible when community organizations, public leaders, clubs, philanthropy and the broader soccer ecosystem come together around a shared vision to grow the game. Together, we’ve created more opportunities for young people to play, learn and belong while laying the foundation for stronger communities and a more accessible game. That’s the kind of legacy U.S. Soccer, through Soccer Forward, is committed to building long after the final whistle.” — Lex Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward Foundation

About the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee was responsible for coordinating regional planning and delivery for the eight FIFA World Cup matches hosted at New York New Jersey Stadium, including the Final on July 19, 2026. Working in partnership with the states of New York and New Jersey, the City of New York, FIFA and regional public- and private-sector partners, the Host Committee led planning related to transportation, public safety, fan experiences, community engagement, economic development and the tournament’s lasting regional legacy.