New Jersey Youth Soccer has been announced as an official Legacy Partner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s New York New Jersey Host Committee, underscoring its commitment to leveraging the global attention of the tournament to increase accessibility to the sport in New Jersey.
Collaboration between the groups began before the NYNJ Host Committee was officially formed. That early start positioned both groups to capitalize on unique moments. After the Copa America semifinal in 2024, hundreds of NJYS players had the opportunity to play at MetLife Stadium less than 24 hours after Lionel Messi and other world-class players competed on the same game field. Included in that event was a session dedicated to NJYS TOPSoccer, a program for players with disabilities.
By partnering, the organizations were able to extend the World Cup’s impact in the community beyond the final whistle at New York New Jersey Stadium. “The FIFA World Cup inspired millions of people throughout our region, but its greatest success will ultimately be measured by what remains after the tournament concludes,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “We are honored to be recognized as a Legacy Partner of the NYNJ Host Committee and proud to have worked together to expand access to the game, create unforgettable experiences for young players, and strengthen communities across New Jersey. We look forward to continuing that work long after the final whistle.”
The NYNJ Host Committee has been a committed supporter of NJ Youth Soccer, appearing at such events as the NJYS Awards Celebration presented by RWJBarnabas Health and the Youth Soccer Summit held in partnership with the New York Red Bulls.
NJ Youth Soccer also partnered with the NYNJ Host Committee on several official FIFA World Cup initiatives that expanded access to the tournament while strengthening connections with New Jersey’s youth soccer community. The partnership began with the NYNJ Host Committee’s participation in the 2026 Youth Soccer Summit at Sports Illustrated Stadium, bringing together leaders from across the soccer community to support the continued growth of the game. Through this collaboration, hundreds of NJ Youth Soccer players from underserved communities were provided the opportunity to attend FIFA World Cup matches at New York New Jersey Stadium, creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for young athletes.
The partnership also extended to fan engagement through programming at the Jersey Fan Hub at Sports Illustrated Stadium, where interactive soccer activities connected youth players and families to the excitement of the tournament. Beyond these collaborative initiatives, NJ Youth Soccer continued to bring the FIFA World Cup experience to communities across the state through signature events such as NJYS Day at American Dream and other local activations.
In addition, NJ Youth Soccer created opportunities to bring communities together through FIFA World Cup watch parties and community activations held across New Jersey. The organization hosted Ocean County’s FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party at ShoreTown Ballpark, home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, where families and fans enjoyed an interactive soccer festival featuring small-sided games, skills challenges, and youth programming before gathering to watch the Final.
NJ Youth Soccer has had a strong presence at many official NYNJ Host Committee events leading up to and throughout the FIFA World Cup, but the lasting impact of NJ Youth Soccer and its partnership with the NYNJ Host Committee will be measured not only by the tournament, but by the continued investment in communities and the growth of soccer across New Jersey for years to come.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer