Starting today, New York City FC will host its annual Young Leader Training at P.S. 83 in East Harlem. More than 40 local Young Leaders from ‘City in the Community’ (CITC) NY programs will come together to take part in a week-long training that will provide the skills and knowledge needed to become impactful leaders in their individual communities.
This is part of a Group-wide effort by City Football Group (CFG), NYCFC’s ownership Group, to empower the next generation of community leaders to tackle social issues effecting their local communities using the power of soccer. Community coaches from NYCFC’s sister Club, Manchester City FC, will by flying to New York City to put on this training alongside NYCFC community coaches. Simultaneously, Young Leader Trainings will be taking place in Manchester and Hanoi, Vietnam. All training curriculums will focus on CITC’s core pillars: leadership, community coaching, project management, and social impact.
Here in New York City, the training will specifically focus around promoting healthy lifestyles and safe places to play. Through in-classroom workshops and outdoor training sessions on the mini soccer pitch at P.S. 83, the NYC Young Leaders will develop leadership and coaching skills. Alongside its partners, NYCFC constructed this mini pitch last year as part of New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI). The pitch continues to be a hub that brings the neighborhood together around the sport of soccer.
NYCFC’s 2018 MLS SuperDraft First Round pick, Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, will join the action and support the NYC Young Leader Training the afternoon of Thursday, April 5.
The NYC Young Leader Training will culminate in a youth-led Soccer Festival on Friday, April 6 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. The Young Leaders will put their newly developed skills into action by running a series of activities that promote healthy lifestyles.
Through an integrated program combining face-to-face training, remote mentoring, and digital networking, CFG is supporting more than 500 Young Leaders in New York City, Manchester and across the globe to deliver innovative community soccer programs. Since 2014, community coaches from CITC have been traveling to CFG’s global community projects to share 30 years of community soccer know-how with a growing network of Young Leaders.
