New York City FC Unveil Latest Community Pitch
New York City FC has unveiled its latest community mini-pitch as part of the league’s 20 for 20 initiative aimed at providing youth in undeserved communities a path to the beautiful game. Club President Jon Patricof, NYCFC’s supporters group Third Rail and players Mehdi Ballouchy and Shannon Gomezwere in attendance for an afternoon of soccer fun and growth.
MLS Soccer News: New York City FC, alongside MLS WORKS, the US Soccer Foundation, SNHU and adidas unveiled its latest community soccer court at Public School 049 Willis Avenue School as part of the league’s 20 for 20 initiative. The mini-pitch will provide the kids in this Bronx community a safe place to play, while enjoying a soccer environment that encourages the growth of the game.
New York City FC’s Supporters Group, Third Rail, donated school supplies to the kids of PS 049. Club President Jon Patricof provided all kids in attendance for the opening with tickets to Saturday’s home game at Yankee Stadium
Additionally, SNHU awarded a full college scholarship to a New York City FC youth leader from affiliate youth club, South Bronx United. This young leader will support the delivery of after-school programs at PS 049 with City in the Community Foundation.
New York City FC players, Mehdi Ballouchy and Shannon Gomez, closed out the day playing small-sided games with the kids from the school.
The 20 for 20 for NYCFC initiative provides low-income areas access to local soccer in their communities throughout five boroughs in the city. The MLS club launched the New York City Soccer Initiative with Mayor de Blasio, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC, the US Soccer Foundation and adidas to bring 50 new soccer fields to undeserved neighborhoods in New York City.
Over the next five years, this public-private partnership will invest $3 million in fields across the city and provide after school programming for 10,000 kids.
Photo Credit: New York City FC
