The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle invites community members across Westchester County to celebrate the excitement of World Cup competition during a free viewing party on Saturday, July 18, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Club, 79 Seventh St. in New Rochelle. With support from the New York Life Foundation’s Coaching the Future initiative, the Club will host an afternoon of soccer-themed activities, games, food and family-friendly fun culminating in the watch party.
The family-friendly event also will feature a live screening of the FIFA World Cup Third Place Match along with a variety of activities, including an esports tournament, foosball tournaments, a soccer clinic, giveaways throughout the day and a food truck. The first 100 youths who pre-register will receive a free limited-edition FIFA World Cup T-shirt.
“The World Cup is one of the few events that brings people from every corner of the world together through a shared love of soccer, sportsmanship and athletic excellence,” said Becky Mazzanobile, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “We are excited to welcome families to celebrate this global tradition while giving local youths the opportunity to play, compete and create lasting memories in a safe and positive environment. We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation for its generosity in making this special community event possible.”
“This World Cup viewing party is a wonderful example of how sports can bring young people, families and communities together in meaningful ways,” said Eric Osborne, Senior Director of Sports and Esports at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “Through the New York Life Foundation’s Coaching the Future initiative, we’re expanding access to high-quality sports experiences that help young people build confidence, develop leadership skills and create lasting connections. We’re proud to support the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle as they create an unforgettable day that celebrates the excitement of the World Cup while inspiring the next generation both on and off the field.”
Through its Coaching the Future initiative, the New York Life Foundation is investing $3.2 million over three years to advance Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s growing sports strategy. The expanded partnership aims to increase access to youth sports and strengthen mentorship for young people by training coaches, investing in sports infrastructure and growing soccer programming in communities nationwide.
“This event captures everything we strive to provide through our sports programming: fun, opportunity and connection,” said Will Iannuzzi, Chief Program Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. “Whether a young person is competing in a tournament, learning new skills during the soccer clinic or cheering alongside friends and family during the World Cup match, every activity is designed to inspire confidence, teamwork and a lifelong love of being active.”
Designed to celebrate the world’s most popular sport while encouraging active play and community engagement, the event offers opportunities for youths of all ages to participate in friendly competition, develop new skills and connect with friends and neighbors in a fun, welcoming environment. The event is open to children and families throughout Westchester County. Pre-registration is required for all attendees and space is limited. Walk-ins cannot be guaranteed a place. Families should complete one registration for each youth attending.
For more information or to register, visit https://bit.ly/3R25a1V or contact Chief Program Officer Will Iannuzzi at wiannuzzi@bgcnr.org.
