A citywide soccer celebration
New York City’s public spaces are set to become a vibrant arena for the beautiful game as NYC Parks announces the launch of its Summer of Soccer initiative, a season‑long program of free events timed to coincide with the approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Commissioner Tricia Shimamura unveiled the effort on Thursday, revealing a dedicated webpage that will guide residents to a full calendar of activities, from youth clinics to community tournaments and cultural showcases spread across all five boroughs.
One of the program’s practical perks is the extension of field lighting hours, now running from June 11 through the Labor Day weekend, giving families and amateur players the chance to enjoy evening matches under the lights.
Highlights include the Ocean Breeze Beach Soccer Tournament scheduled for June 27‑28 at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island, and a Movies Under the Stars series that will screen soccer‑themed films in neighborhood parks and playgrounds.
The initiative also offers a suite of skill‑building opportunities for younger participants, including soccer clinics, the Summer Sports Experience, and Tots Soccer sessions designed to introduce the youngest fans to the sport, while the new online resource helps players locate nearby fields for impromptu pickup games.