Overview:

The New York City Soccer Initiative partners – New York City FC, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Etihad Airways, and Judi Health – alongside the Department of Education celebrated the opening of a new mini-soccer pitch at JHS 62 Ditmas in Brooklyn.

The 10th mini-pitch was opened in Brooklyn. (Photo courtesy of NYCFC)

NEW YORK – The New York City Soccer Initiative partners – New York City FC, the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Etihad Airways, and Judi Health – alongside the Department of Education celebrated the opening of a new mini-soccer pitch at JHS 62 Ditmas in Brooklyn.

The new pitch is part of NYCSI’s “26 for 26” commitment to build 26 additional mini-pitches across the five boroughs in celebration of the World Cup and to create a lasting soccer legacy for the city.

Ten of those pitches have opened or will open in communities across the city this year.

NYCSI was launched in 2016 as a first-of-its-kind $3 million initiative to create and maintain 50 mini-pitches across New York City and expand free soccer programming for the next generation of New Yorkers. The initiative helped spur other cities to launch similar efforts to create mini-pitches and expand access to free, high-quality soccer programming.

Following the completion of the original 50 pitches in 2021, NYCSI partners committed to building an additional 26 mini-pitches across the city. Through the next phase of NYCSI, the partners are building on the initiative’s impact.

“The World Cup was a monumental moment for soccer in New York City and across the country, and its impact will be felt for generations, but the work has not stopped with the final whistle,” NYCFCFC CEO Brad Sims said in a statement. “At New York City FC, we believe we have a responsibility to build on that extraordinary momentum and ensure that the world’s game is accessible to every community across our city. Today’s ribbon cutting is another proud moment as we continue delivering on our promise to create safe, high-quality spaces where young people can play, grow, and develop a lifelong connection to the beautiful game. These pitches will help ensure the World Cup leaves a lasting legacy for the next generation of New Yorkers.”

Added Kate R. Smith, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City: “This has been an extraordinarily special summer for soccer in New York City. We are proud to help carry the excitement and community spirit after the final whistle through the New York City Soccer Initiative 2.0 – expanding access to safe places to play and free soccer programming for youth and families. This mini-pitch is part of that lasting legacy, and we are thrilled to celebrate the community and partners who made it possible.”