The FIFA World Cup is uniting fans across the globe \u2014 and in New York City, that energy is showing up right in local neighborhoods.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Brownsville residents didn\u2019t have to travel far to join in the excitement.\u00a0Instead, the celebration came directly to them, as the city\u2019s Department of Transportation hosted its sixth \u201cSoccer Streets Watch Party.”<\/p>\n
For many, the event was about more than just the game.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love it,\u201d said Shamene, a Brownsville resident. \u201cI love the community coming together. This is a blessing. This is what we need all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The watch party welcomed everyone \u2014 from die-hard soccer fans to those still learning the sport.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m not a soccer player, but my son plays soccer, so I like to get involved,\u201d said Musiki Glover. \u201cI have to take him to a lot of games and want to understand the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others came simply to connect with their neighbors \u2014 something they say is often missing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI grew up around here,\u201d said Hillary Young, who works for DOT. \u201cAnd just for them to come over in this neighborhood, I love it, because we’re always left out. Brownsville, certain communities are left out, and this is something that they are participating in \u2014 and they feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Events like this highlight the global appeal of soccer \u2014 and its unique ability to bring people together across cultures.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt might be the most popular sport,\u201d said soccer fan Jason. \u201cIt\u2019s something every nationality has in common.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou look at teams like Brazil and France, there\u2019s all different types of ethnicities in there,\u201d added another fan. \u201cPeople can find their connection through the players that they like.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event even drew visitors from outside the city. Two friends traveled from Philadelphia after spotting the watch party online.\u00a0<\/p>\n