Today, New York City FC, alongside MLS WORKS, the US Soccer Foundation, SNHU and adidas unveiled a new mini-pitch at Public School 049 Willis Avenue School as part of the league-wide 20 for 20 initiative. The mini-pitch will offer the kids in this Bronx community a safe place to play, while providing a soccer environment that encourages unstructured play to continue the growth of the game.
At the event, New York City FC’s Supporters Group, Third Rail, donated school supplies to the kids of PS 049 and Club President Jon Patricof gave all of the kids in attendance tickets to Saturday’s home game at Yankee Stadium.
Additionally, SNHU awarded a full college scholarship to a New York City FC young leader from one the Club’s youth affiliates, South Bronx United. This young leader will support the delivery of afterschool programs at PS 049 with City in the Community Foundation.
To close out the event, New York City FC players – Mehdi Ballouchy and Shannon Gomez – played small-sided games with the kids from the school.