FC Harlem Field

 FC Harlem opens youth training field with Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez – FC Harlem Lions


This is the current field of FC Harlem, a soccer club based in West Harlem that serves the community in a positive way. They make football fun, accessible and easy to join for local residents, particularly kids from Harlem, the Bronx, and Washington Heights. They provide youth with caring adult mentors and quality structured programs to enhance players both on and off the field. 


This club is different from the more typical model of travel soccer in the United States which operates as an overpriced “PAY TO PLAY” system that thrives for privileged white youth in suburban communities. However, in non affluent neighborhoods in the urban centers of America high level soccer clubs are virtually non-existant. FC Harlem on the other hand acknowledges the need of the resources they offer. For example, "Our youth need access to designated safe spaces to engage with caring mentors who can help them develop to their fullest potential" (FC Harlem.org) 

Their impact has already been living up to their message and goals. 

"OUR IMPACT

-97% of all high school participants graduated

-80% of those graduates have gone to college

-Since 2006, FC Harlem has served more that 7,000 youth across all programs

-100% of LIONS  participants perform a minimum of 25 hours of volunteer service annually."

FC Harlem leads by example as to what other urban areas across America can do to help underprivileged youth grow and have better opportunities in the future. 


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