NYFEST Revives Its Annual Charity Soccer Tournament
The 15th edition of NYFEST, the New York Film & Entertainment Soccer Tournament, is set to take place at Brooklyn Bridge Park, turning the waterfront venue into a bustling marketplace of sport, sound and philanthropy. Over a weekend of 5v5 matches, the event brings together media and marketing professionals who trade pitches for passes, all while directing proceeds toward local youth charities.
Beyond the competition, the tournament offers a full festival atmosphere, with food trucks serving diverse cuisines, live music stages pumping up the crowd, and an all‑star celebrity match that draws fans from across the city. The blend of sport and entertainment creates a vibrant backdrop for networking and community building.
Founders Dylam Leiner and Jeffrey Saunders have been at the helm since the tournament’s inception, and they recently appeared on the radio show "The Rush Hour" to talk about the tournament’s evolution, the impact of the charity partnership, and what participants can expect from this year’s edition.
Leiner and Saunders emphasized that the fundraiser is more than a scoreboard; it’s a chance for the industry to give back to the neighborhoods that nurture its talent. By channeling ticket sales and donations into youth programs, NYFEST hopes to inspire the next generation of creators and marketers.
Celebrity Stars Take the Field
The celebrity matchup will feature a surprising mix of former athletes, actors and influencers, each eager to swap their usual scripts for a chance to score goals for a good cause. Their participation not only raises visibility for the tournament but also amplifies the message that sport can be a catalyst for social change.
As the sun sets over the East River, the atmosphere shifts from competitive intensity to celebratory camaraderie, with attendees mingling, sharing stories, and enjoying the eclectic mix of food and music that defines the NYFEST experience.
With each passing year, NYFEST proves that the worlds of media, marketing and sport can intersect in meaningful ways, turning a simple game of soccer into a powerful platform for community uplift. As the tournament looks ahead, the founders remain committed to expanding its reach and deepening its impact on the city’s youth.