“Breaking Down Barriers: How GACNY and All-City Soccer Are Democratizing Youth Soccer Development in NYC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Global Artists Coalition and All-City Soccer NYC Join Forces to Break Down Barriers in Youth Soccer Development
NEW YORK, NY – March 19, 2025 – Global Artists Coalition New York (GACNY.org) and All-City Soccer NYC (AllCitySoccer.org) today announced a groundbreaking partnership to provide elite soccer development opportunities to youth across all economic backgrounds in New York City.
According to recent studies, over 70% of inner-city youth cannot participate in organized soccer programs due to prohibitive costs. The average annual expense for a child in competitive youth soccer programs exceeds $3,000, with elite travel teams often costing families $5,000-$10,000 per year when accounting for training, equipment, travel, and tournament fees.
This partnership directly addresses the systemic inequality in American soccer development by offering high-quality training accessible to all, regardless of financial means.
“If the United States wants to compete and win the World Cup, it needs a larger pool of elite players – not only those who can afford pay-to-play systems,” Nelson states. “We see firsthand the positive impact proper instruction and mentorship have on communities without access.”
The issue has never been about pay-to-play itself but rather the lack of viable alternatives. While soccer is globally recognized as one of the world’s most democratic sports, played in streets and alleys worldwide, its development pathway in America remains largely closed to those without financial resources.
“A kid playing basketball and American football can see a chance to play in college, or become professional, they see a path through,” Terry says. “If you want to play soccer [beyond high school], there’s no path there. You don’t ever see college coaches at high school games in the City.”
This stark reality explains why basketball thrives in inner-city communities while soccer struggles to gain traction. While 43% of NBA players come from disadvantaged backgrounds, less than 9% of U.S. professional soccer players share similar origins.
The partnership will offer:
- Subsidized elite training programs for qualified youth
- Professional coaching at accessible price points
- Need-based scholarships for talented players from low-income families
- Development pathways connecting players to college and professional opportunities
By democratizing access to high-quality soccer instruction, this initiative aims to expand America’s talent pool and provide meaningful athletic development opportunities for underserved youth.
The program launches next month with training centers in Manhattan at Riverbank State Park, as well as Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. Families interested in participating can apply through allcitysoccer.org.
For more information, please visit gacny.org or allcitysoccer.org.
Media Contact:
Terry@allcitysoccer.org
