Festivities at the Final Whistle

It was a big day for soccer on Saturday with the UEFA Euros and CONMEBOL’s Copa America in full swing.

The same was true for hundreds of youth, family members, special guests, and Playmakers who came from all over New York City for the Just Ball Unity Cup to celebrate the end of a fun-filled Just Ball League season.

At the event, youth played with their friends and learned new freestyle tricks from U.S. Soccer Foundation ambassador Frankie FLO. They also cheered on their teams during a watch party of the Euro Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Italy.

What does it mean to Just Ball?

The Just Ball League promotes elements of pick-up soccer, using mini-pitches and other community spaces for hyper-local play. Sessions are facilitated by Playmakers, who serve as both mentors and coaches and encourage players to have fun and express themselves freely on the pitch. More than 10,000 young people participated in the league in New York City and New Jersey this past year. 

Why is Just Ball important?

Our hyper-local approach means that kids are playing with their friends right in their neighborhoods. This reduces the need for transportation and lowers costs, two of the main barriers to participation in sport. Ballers in the program report developing more confidence, feeling happier, liking soccer more, feeling less stressed, and having new friends! Just Ball means teammates and mentors by your side on the soccer field, in the classroom, and in life.