The City Schools Cup is an annual event that brings together elementary school partners of New York City FC’s community program to celebrate and recognize students’ efforts both on and off the field.
Throughout the school year coaches have been teaching students enrolled in the school soccer program the fundamental techniques in soccer as well as valuable social skills in teamwork, leadership and communication. Working closely with the teaching staff, selection to represent the school is based on progress made both in the classroom and in soccer, underpinned by a positive attitude.
City Schools Cup V was held on May 16 at Randall's Island.
“Saturday was simply fantastic. My kids and their families really enjoyed themselves," said Omari McCleary, Program Director for Good Shepherd Services at PS 297. "Some of the conversations on the bus on the way back were really invigorating and reminded me why I do this work. There are so many little anecdotes and great outcomes from the day."
CITY SCHOOLS CUP V: PHOTO GALLERY
This year, 16 public schools from Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan and Queens competed in the small-sided festival. Teams are co-ed and there a no referees; players resolve the rules by themselves lightly mediated by the coaches. The festival is designed on the principal that the basic values of fair play, gender equality, teamwork and respect are just as important as technical soccer skills.
After a round-robin of matches, teams progressed to the knockout stage which ended with PS 83 from East Harlem as champions after defeating Shuang Wen on penalty kicks.
“It was a special day for the kids and proof that if you keep a positive attitude and work as a team you can achieve your goals," coach Junior Villegas said. "They would huddle up before each game and dedicate their efforts to their friends who couldn’t make it. This is for Amelia, Maday, Steven and everyone who was a part of this.”
"The City Schools Cup is all about us kids showing our passion for soccer and expressing it by using teamwork, hardwork, respect and having fun," said Kendra, a student at PS 83. "IF you lose or win you are still a champion."
Past Winners:
2011 – PS 11
2012 – PS 72
2013 – PS 182
2014 – PS 11
