Andy Jenkins, director of soccer programs and youth development at South Bronx United, sees the soccer field as more than a place to chase a ball; it is a gathering point where culture, ambition, and support intersect.
A model built on more than sport
South Bronx United (SBU) offers free and low‑cost soccer programming alongside academic tutoring, mentorship, and wrap‑around services such as housing assistance and immigration legal aid. By embedding these resources within a sports framework, the organization creates a stable environment where young people from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
In New York City, the price tag for competitive youth soccer can approach $3,500 annually, a barrier for many families. SBU bridges that gap through funding from foundations, corporations, and individual donors, ensuring that financial constraints do not keep talent off the pitch.
Coaching at SBU emphasizes empathy, active listening, and relationship‑building. This approach has translated into measurable outcomes: participants graduate high school at high rates and enroll in college at impressive levels, a testament to the program’s holistic impact.
Practices take place at Macombs Dam Park, just steps from Yankee Stadium, but limited field space has produced a waiting list of eager youths. One such participant arrived from Liberia as a teenager, alone and seeking opportunity; today he is a college student and an all‑conference athlete, embodying the program’s transformative potential.
Jenkins hopes that the global spotlight on the World Cup will amplify SBU’s story, attracting additional resources to expand capacity and welcome more children from the waiting list into a community where soccer fuels both personal growth and social cohesion.