$5 Million Investment Fund Will Support Building Soccer Fields Across New York State
Additional $1 Million Available To NY Kicks Recipients To Make Soccer Programming More Affordable for Families
Advances Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiative, and Complements Programs and Events To Highlight FIFA World Cup 2026™
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund through the 2026 Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative, aimed at building soccer fields in disadvantaged communities across each region of the state to strengthen neighborhoods and bring people together through a shared love of the game. First proposed in the Governor's 2026 State of the State and included in the FY27 Enacted Budget, the $5 million NY Kicks program will provide capital grants to support the creation, expansion and enhancement of community soccer fields for youth and players of all ages, capitalizing on the momentum of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The FY27 Budget also includes $1 million in additional funding that will be administered by the State Office of Children and Family Services for a companion grant program for NY Kicks recipients to fund programming, equipment, training, and other operating costs that maximize use of these new facilities including uniforms, shin guards, soccer balls and coaches. The capital grant program will be administered by Empire State Development through the Consolidated Funding Application, with program guidelines and additional information .
“From Buffalo to Brentwood, every kid should have the opportunity to have fun, play and stay active. That’s why my ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ initiative makes it a priority to give communities the resources they need to make it happen,” Governor Hochul said. “As kids across New York see the World Cup excitement unfold this summer, we are making it easier for them to play the beautiful game, with $6 million for communities to be able to build soccer infrastructure, drive down fees and allow all children to have safe and healthy activities for years to come.”
Eligible project costs for the $5 million NY Kicks capital grant program include site preparation, permanent soccer field infrastructure, utility infrastructure needed for field operation and paving. Applicants may include municipalities, public authorities and non-profit organizations. Awards will range from $75,000 to $200,000 and cover a maximum of 50 percent of eligible costs. Priority consideration will be given to projects located in severely and moderately distressed communities. Additional consideration will be given to applications based on project impact and community need, project readiness and feasibility and non-ESD co-investment leverage. A $1 million companion grant program to support operating expenses of NY Kicks recipients is being administered by New York State's Office of Children and Family Services and will launch in the future.
This program also complements the Governor's efforts to ensure that more New Yorkers can enjoy the World Cup. This month, Governor Hochul announced significant upgrades to the Official NYNJ Stadium Shuttle bus service for fans traveling to and from World Cup matches through reduced fares and 20 percent of bus tickets reserved for New York residents. The Governor also announced that free tickets are available for the first of two New York State flagship World Cup Watch Experiences, taking place at Stony Brook University on Long Island.
In April, Governor Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee announced free fan events in all five boroughs of New York City. The Governor has also announced that 12 community-based projects statewide will receive grant funding as part of the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program, including free public viewings at Silo City in Buffalo.
These family-friendly events are part of New York State’s coordinated effort to maximize the 2026 World Cup's statewide and economic impact, bringing communities together to experience this historic global moment close to home while advancing long-term investments in youth soccer and community infrastructure.
Last month, Governor Hochul announced that event organizers can serve alcohol at off-site activations for the duration of the World Cup by applying for a World Cup One-Day Permit through the New York State Liquor Authority. Bars and restaurants will be able to use the World Cup One-Day Permit process to use contiguous outdoor space to host events during the World Cup as opposed to the current maximum of four days. In addition, the Governor is working with the legislature to authorize temporary expansion of permissible operating hours during the World Cup, allowing bars, restaurants and other eligible on-premises establishments to remain open whenever matches are broadcast live.
These collective efforts also build on the State’s broader strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits associated with hosting matches during the tournament. For more information, including how to sign up to be notified of future New York State World Cup announcements, visit the I LOVE NY website.
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