NYCFC completes project building 50 mini pitches across the city

New York City FC, alongside partners and community members, unveiled its latest mini pitch on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021. Located at P.S. 184 Shuang Wen in Chinatown, Manhattan, this pitch is the final piece of the New York City Soccer Initiative's efforts to build 50 such pitches across the five boroughs since 2016.

The club also announced it would begin construction of an additional 26 mini pitches in the coming years ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, as well as the launch of the NYSI Community Cup — a five-a-side tournament including youth teams from each mini pitch around the city.

“Since our inauguration, we have been working to build a club that is part of the fabric of this great city and one that will leave a lasting, tangible and positive impact across the five boroughs,” said club CEO Brad Sims in a statement. “Along with our incredible partners, we’ve made a significant step in realizing this vision by completing this ambitious 50-pitch project that will provide safe spaces for all New Yorkers to learn and play soccer.”

In a news release, various figures from NYCFC and City Football Group, the club’s parent organization, praised the efforts to spread soccer across New York. That included NYCFC captain Sean Johnson, coach Ronny Deila, former NYCFC and current Leeds United player Jack Harrison, Manchester City and U.S. men’s national team keeper Zack Steffan and Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in New York City during my career,” said Guardiola’s statement. “It’s a city I love deeply and over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see firsthand New Yorkers’ passion for football. Young people want to play and need a place to play. The fact that there are now 50 new football pitches throughout New York City because of NYCFC and our group is amazing and will make a big difference in the lives of young people.

“I have said it for many years, I believe there is an incredibly bright future for football in the U.S. and amazing projects like this one will play a part in helping to produce the next generation of young American talent.”

Following its sixth straight postseason berth this season, NYCFC returns to action with its MLS Cup Playoff opener against Atlanta United at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21 at Yankee Stadium.

Check out scenes from the unveiling of NYCFC’s 50th mini pitch below.