City launches ‘Soccer Streets’ for kids ahead of World Cup
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launches "Soccer Streets," a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Kara McCurdy/Mayoral Photography Office
CITYWIDE – MAYOR ZOHRAN MAMDANI on Monday officially launched the city’s new “Soccer Streets” program, a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the city ahead of the World Cup, which starts in June.
Streets will be transformed into soccer pitches, art stations and block parties. Students will play pickup matches, run drills, paint team flags and celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event.
Kids play at “Soccer Streets,” a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo: Kara McCurdy/Mayoral Photography Office
The events began May 1 and will continue through the last day of school on June 26, the city said in a press release. The city has not yet released a full schedule or list of participating schools.
Schools interested in participating can contact Street Lab to learn more and get involved. Soccer Streets is a part of the city Department of Transportation’s Open Streets for Schools program, which allows schools to close an adjacent street to traffic for recess, outdoor learning and safer pickup and drop-off.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
