New York City FC and Fidelis Care Renew Partnership and Kick Off 2019 Youth Soccer Festivals
New York City FC (NYCFC) and Fidelis Care have kicked off the 2019 Youth Soccer Festival Series as part of their partnership renewal. The festivals are youth-led, put on local young leaders who are using the power of soccer to promote healthy lifestyles, connect communities and promote gender equality.
Now in the third year of the partnership, NYCFC and Fidelis Care have the shared goal of increasing access to free soccer across the five boroughs. These soccer festivals not only provide opportunities for young New Yorkers to compete in free and friendly soccer matches, they also bring communities together in a healthy and fun way. At each festival, Fidelis Care will provide medals for the winning teams, as well as sponsor the NYCFC street team and onsite player appearances. Â
The first festival, the “Soccer Bloc 5 Borough Tournament,” took place on Saturday, August 10 at one of the New York City Soccer Initiative mini-soccer pitches at the Triborough Bridge Playground in Astoria, Queens. 20 City in the Community (CITC) young leaders put on the Tournament, bringing together more than 50 local kids from all five boroughs who have been participating in free soccer clinics throughout the summer.
The soccer festivals feature music, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. Fidelis Care representatives will be on location to answer questions about health insurance and to help eligible residents apply for enrollment.
"Hosting these free soccer festivals in partnership with the NYCFC is a great opportunity for Fidelis Care to provide local families with healthy and fun activities," said Chief Member Engagement Officer Pam Hassen. "Joining with NYCFC to promote the importance of healthy lifestyles and to inspire kids of all ages is central to our mission. We are here to be a resource for the community."
The two remaining festivals will be held in the Bronx and in Brooklyn:
Bronx:
“Football for Equality Festival”
Co-led by CITC and South Bronx United (SBU)
Saturday August 24, 2019 10AM - 2PM
Macombs Dam Park
River Avenue and E. 157th Street, Bronx, NY
The South Bronx Festival has been inspired by the CITC and South Bronx United young leaders that attended this year’s streetfootballworld’s Festival 19. During the 2019 Women’s World Cup, young leaders from East Harlem traveled to Lyon, France to participate in a youth forum that demonstrates soccer’s unique position to promote gender equality. The young leaders have returned to New York City and will share their new skills with the local community at this Festival.
Brooklyn:
Saturday September 7, 2019 10 AM- 2PM
Led by CITC
New York City Soccer Initiative mini-pitch in Brownsville, Brooklyn
PS 446 (Riverdale Avenue Community School)
76 Riverdale Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
About Fidelis Care
Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for more than 2.1 million members Statewide, at all ages and at every stage of life. Grassroots outreach to the community has always been central to the mission of
Fidelis. By partnering with leaders like the New York City Football Club, we’re able to reach residents in need and promote healthy lifestyles.
Learn more about how we’re supporting the community. Follow Fidelis Care on Twitter
@fideliscare and on Facebook at facebook.com/fideliscare.
