Emiratis and Americans bond over NY street football festival
The festival is special to the UAE not only because of the positive effects it has on the community, but also because Emiratis share a strong passion for soccer.” Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE Consul-General in New York
new york — The UAE ConsulateGeneral in New York and New York City Football Club hosted a ‘street soccer festival’ earlier this week to promote cross-cultural understanding between the UAE and US.
The festival was held in New York City’s South Bronx neighbourhood.
Held with the support of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the festival brought together the community and nurtured the street soccer culture that has grown organically in the South Bronx. Known for its unstructured games and creative play, street soccer is played in streets and sandlots across the world and is an important part of Emirati culture. The event was organised through ‘City in the Community’, a charity supported by New York City Football Club.
“The street soccer festival is special to the UAE not only because of the positive effects it has on the South Bronx community, but also because Emiratis share a strong passion for soccer. Our goal is to inspire children and encourage leadership and collaboration. It’s great to see those values come together today at the festival,” said Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE Consul-General in New York.
During the event, local youths competed in five-on-five round-robin tournaments on the blue mini-pitch. The youth soccer players were organised into teams of children aged 11 and under, and 18 and under. The festival was capped off by “celebrity games” with players from New York City agencies, including New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the New York City Mayor’s Office as well as Emirati players who competed on UAE Consulate team.
Special guests included Jordanian soccer freestyler Motaz Al Qawasmi and Captain of The Good Life FC Bowery Premier League team, Tim Brodahegn.
In addition to playing in the tournaments, the soccer festival provided Emiratis living in New York with an opportunity to engage with the local community and share their love for soccer. Emirati students volunteered their time at the event, helping to staff the consulate and registration tables, take photos and share information with event attendees about UAE culture. — Wam