New Jersey Youth Soccer and Soccer Forward teamed up for a dynamic community event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark, introducing local youth to the NJYS Let’s Play! Program and celebrating soccer as a tool for growth, confidence, and inclusion. Soccer Forward, in partnership with New York Life, is growing the game in Newark and highlighting organizations expanding access for local youth. At this community spotlight event, a joint donation brought new soccer programming directly to the clubhouse, giving kids opportunities to play, learn, and develop through the sport.
Kids of all ages rotated through small-sided games, skill stations, and guided activities, fully engaged in building soccer skills, teamwork, and confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. Working alongside Soccer Forward, NJ Youth Soccer transformed the space into an interactive soccer playground, creating an energetic hub where every child could participate and experience the fun of the game firsthand.
The day featured appearances by USWNT alum Sara Hess, USMNT legend Tab Ramos, and Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman, with Gotham FC serving as the World Cup Host Committee and helping activate multiple experiences throughout the event. The activation highlighted NJ Youth Soccer’s commitment to bringing high-quality soccer programming to the Newark community while emphasizing fun, inclusion, and youth development.
Thanks to a generous $10,000 contribution from New York Life, NJ Youth Soccer is able to expand Let’s Play! programming in Newark.
“We are thrilled for this support of New Jersey Youth Soccer and our Let’s Play! Program,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “This donation will allow NJYS to bring even more kids into the game, providing consistent opportunities for growth, skill development, and community engagement.”
The Let’s Play! Program is designed to make soccer fun, accessible, and development-focused. Beyond introducing fundamental skills, it encourages social-emotional growth, teamwork, and confidence-building, giving every participant a sense of belonging while learning to love the game. The Let’s Play! Program goes beyond simply introducing kids to soccer. It also focuses on integrating nutrition and providing life skills education (SEL) to support holistic youth development. By combining skill-building with social-emotional learning and healthy habits, the program ensures that kids gain confidence on and off the field.
Building on the success of this activation, NJ Youth Soccer is excited to continue its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark throughout the coming year, offering ongoing Let’s Play! sessions and clinics to expand access and create consistent opportunities for kids to engage in soccer and enjoy the physical and social benefits of the sport.
“Seeing these kids light up while learning and playing is exactly why we do this,” said Bree Cassidy, NJYS Program Manager. “With partners like Soccer Forward, New York Life, and Gotham FC, we’re able to bring the game to life in Newark—one activation, one player, and one community at a time.”
For more information on New Jersey Youth Soccer and the Let’s Play! Program, check out the program online or contact Breeana Cassidy at breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.