A new project called the New York City Soccer Initiative was unveiled by NYC mayor Bill De Blasio on Tuesday.
The initiative will bring 50 new soccer fields to “underserved” soccer neighborhoods in New York, the first eight spread between Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Manhattan.
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Four partners -- New York City, MLS, Adidas and the U.S. Soccer Foundation -- will spend a combined $3 million on the project.
A New York Times article on the initiative also gave an update on NYCFC’s quest for a non-Yankee Stadium home:Jon Patricof, the president of New York City F.C., said the team was continuing its search for a location in the five boroughs. He added that the team’s participation in the partnership with the city was not about attracting new fans, but about a broader goal of having an impact on the community.
“For us, this is not about what happens on our match days,” Patricof said. “For us, this is about our commitment to the sport and all the positive things soccer can do for kids and their families.”
These sorts of projects are more important to building soccer players in this country than coaching badges or five-figure club memberships. Cheers to NYCFC and its partners for it.
