Partnerships will build on the inspiration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by expanding access, investing in young athletes, and strengthening New Jersey communities.
New Jersey Youth Soccer officially announced Bank of America and Capelli Sport as the inaugural members of its NJYS Legacy Partner Program, a statewide initiative designed to ensure that the excitement generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup produces meaningful and lasting benefits for children, families, and communities throughout New Jersey.
The Legacy Partner Program brings together organizations committed to making sustained investments in young people and the future of soccer. Bank of America and Capelli Sport will work alongside NJ Youth Soccer to help expand access to the game and provide players from different backgrounds with the resources, programs, and opportunities they need to succeed.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrated soccer’s extraordinary ability to bring people together across cultures, communities, and generations. Watching the world’s best players compete in New Jersey inspired countless young athletes and families. The NJYS Legacy Partner Program was created to transform that inspiration into lasting opportunity by investing in the people, programs, and places that will shape the future of soccer across the state.
“The World Cup gave New Jersey an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the global game, but its true legacy will be determined by what we build from that moment,” said Evan Dabby, Chief Executive Officer of New Jersey Youth Soccer. “Bank of America and Capelli Sport understand that meaningful impact requires a long-term commitment to young people and their communities. Together, we can turn inspiration into opportunity and help ensure that more children throughout New Jersey benefit from everything the game can provide.”
Bank of America: Investing in New Jersey’s Youth and Communities
As an inaugural NJYS Legacy Partner, Bank of America will support NJ Youth Soccer’s efforts to create opportunities for young athletes and strengthen communities through the game. The partnership reflects Bank of America’s longstanding commitment to investing in New Jersey’s neighborhoods, health, and future.
Bank of America New Jersey President Alberto Garofalo described the spirit behind that commitment.
“Everything is possible in New Jersey. This partnership brings that mindset directly to New Jersey’s young athletes,” said Garofalo. “Whether their dream is to play on the world stage or become a leader in their community, we want young people to understand that the journey can begin right here. By expanding access to resources, coaching and places to play, we can help ensure that there are no limits to what Jersey youth can achieve.”
New Jersey has a proud soccer history that stretches back generations, including early matches played by Scottish and Irish immigrants in Kearny during the 1800s. Today, the state remains one of the country’s most diverse and passionate soccer communities.
Bank of America’s involvement will help build on that tradition while supporting the teamwork, leadership, and resilience that young people develop through sports, the same qualities that strengthen local communities and help New Jersey thrive.
Capelli Sport: Supporting Players and Growing the Game
Capelli Sport also serves as an inaugural NJYS Legacy Partner, building upon its relationship with NJ Youth Soccer and its commitment to supporting players, coaches, clubs, and communities throughout the state.
As a global sports brand with a strong connection to the soccer community, Capelli Sport understands the importance of providing young athletes with the equipment, experiences, and support they need to participate and develop. Its involvement in the NJYS Legacy Partner Program will help NJ Youth Soccer create more opportunities for children to experience the game while strengthening the programs that serve them.
“Capelli Sport has consistently demonstrated that its commitment to soccer extends beyond apparel and the field,” Dabby said. “The company understands the needs of players, teams, and clubs and shares our belief that access to the game can positively shape a young person’s life. Its participation as an inaugural Legacy Partner creates another meaningful way for us to invest directly in New Jersey’s soccer community.”
“Capelli Sport is proud to join Bank of America as an inaugural NJ Youth Soccer Legacy Partner,” said George Altirs, President & CEO of Capelli Sport. “We believe every young athlete should have the opportunity to participate, develop, and experience the sense of belonging that soccer creates. Through this partnership, we look forward to helping NJ Youth Soccer expand access and create a lasting impact for players and communities across the state.”
A Long-Term Commitment to Impact
Unlike a traditional sponsorship focused primarily on short-term visibility, the NJYS Legacy Partner designation recognizes organizations making meaningful, sustained investments in the future of youth soccer and the communities it serves.
Initiatives supported through the program may include:
- Expanding access to soccer in underserved communities.
- Reducing financial barriers to participation.
- Providing equipment and other player resources.
- Supporting the recruitment and development of coaches and volunteers.
- Creating safe and accessible places for children to play.
- Advancing inclusive opportunities for players with disabilities.
- Using soccer to promote health, education, teamwork, and belonging.
“Bank of America and Capelli Sport each bring different strengths to this initiative, but they share a common belief in the potential of New Jersey’s young people,” Dabby added. “Their commitment represents exactly what we envisioned for the Legacy Partner Program: purpose-driven organizations working with us to create tangible, sustainable benefits beyond the World Cup.”
NJ Youth Soccer supports more than 120,000 players and 10,000 coaches through hundreds of member clubs and community-based programs across the state. Its statewide reach will enable the NJYS Legacy Partner Program to connect investments with demonstrated community needs and create measurable, sustainable impact.
The program’s vision is clear. Together, NJ Youth Soccer and its Legacy Partners will work to ensure that every child, regardless of zip code, has an opportunity to experience the game and benefit from everything soccer can provide.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
About NJ Youth Soccer Association
New Jersey Youth Soccer, a 501(c)(3) organization affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation, is comprised of more than 100,000 players from 5 to 19-years-old; 10,000+ coaches; and thousands of volunteers. Members collectively support the sport of soccer through training, practice, competition and the spirit of good sportsmanship. The association features recreational and travel soccer programs at multiple skill levels; Olympic Development Program (ODP); tournaments including the National Championship Series, Presidents Cup and Challenge Cup; coach and referee training and certification programs; and TOPSoccer, a program for children with disabilities.
About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 69 million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 60 million verified digital users.
About Capelli Sport
Capelli Sport is a global sports brand based in New York City. The company is a leader in sports, lifestyle apparel and equipment. Capelli Sport enables athletes and teams to maximize their potential through a unique global sports ecosystem. Learn more at capellisport.com and find Capelli Sport on Instagram (@CapelliSport).