Adidas has announced plans to build 50 soccer fields throughout New York over the next five years.
In partnership with New York City mayor Bill de Blasio and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the New York City Football Club, adidas has launched the NYC Soccer Initiative.
The public-private partnership says it will invest $3 million across the city's five boroughs, and they're breaking ground as soon as possible, with plans to open fields for play next year.
The NYC Soccer Initiative will create and maintain the fields, with the goal ultimately being get the youth more involved with soccer and provide a safe community space.
"We believe that through sports, we have the power to change people's lives," said Senior Director of Soccer for adidas Ernesto Bruce. "Sports gives young people so many amazing social, emotional and physical benefits that reward them for life. But there's a lot threatening sports today – including safe access for kids to play."
Check out some photos from today's press conference below.
