Students at PS 112 Bronxwood School will soon have a new space to play soccer as elected officials and community partners gathered on May 8 to break ground on a new mini-pitch as part of a 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy investment project.
In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the mini-pitches are part of a larger $1 million investment by Airbnb to bring the small, hard-court soccer spaces to under-resourced communities across New York and New Jersey ahead of the international tournament, which will bring matches to MetLife Stadium next summer.
“At Airbnb, we’re committed not just with words, but action to make sure the World Cup’s impact is felt on local communities far beyond the tournament,”said Janaye Ingram, Global Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement for Airbnb.
The mini-pitches across New York and New Jersey help expand access to soccer to communities that may not otherwise have the opportunity to play.”
The Bronx mini-pitch is one of five planned across New York and New Jersey, with additional sites coming to schools in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Irvington, New Jersey. The project is part of Airbnb’s Host City Impact Program, which supports long-term investments in communities tied to the World Cup.
The mini-pitch is also one of 26 play spaces that the rental platform plans to bring to New York and New Jersey in collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee.
The initiative is part of a broader citywide initiative to ensure all five boroughs benefit from the economic impact and celebration surrounding the matches at MetLife Stadium.
”New York City is proud to join our partners in bringing this mini-pitch to the Bronx and new play spaces to communities across the region,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“We’re working to ensure that the World Cup’s arrival in our city is accessible to fans of all ages and backgrounds, in every borough.”
New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Council Member Kevin Riley gave remarks at PS 112 Bronxwood School on May 8, alongside officials from Airbnb, FIFA, the U.S. Soccer Federation, and New York City Public Schools.
“The arrival of the FIFA World Cup is a historic moment for our region, but its true success will be measured by the doors it opens for our children right here in the Bronx,” Bailey said.
“By breaking ground on this new mini-pitch at P.S. 112 Bronxwood, we are turning the global excitement of this tournament into a tangible, permanent resource for our students. We know that when we provide safe, vibrant places to play, we are investing in the health, joy, and future of the next generation.”
Reach Marina Samuel at msamuel@schnepsmedia.com. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
