$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™

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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.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The NY Kicks program will help to expand the impact of the World Cup tournament to disadvantaged communities throughout New York State. Supporting the creation of soccer fields and facilities will help communities come together and further bolster the State's comprehensive strategy to maximize the economic, tourism and community benefits of this renowned international competition."

Read the full press release here.