In the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, New york city is leveraging the excitement of the global event to inspire its youth. Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, the Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), New York City FC, and City in the Community have joined forces to launch the New York City Sports and Technology Innovation Challenge. This initiative aims to introduce hundreds of young people to careers that merge sports, innovation, and technology.
The challenge is part of the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and brings together students in teams to develop ideas that expand access to soccer, improve public infrastructure, and envision the future of sports in New York City. Over six weeks, participants will collaborate with industry leaders from government, education, technology, and sports.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
The challenge is a key component of Mayor Mamdani’s broader effort to ensure the World Cup leaves a lasting legacy for New Yorkers. Recent initiatives include transforming 50 school blocks into World Cup field days, adding 4,000 hours of play on City athletic fields, opening five soccer pitches overnight throughout the tournament, and expanding free opportunities for young people to play the game.
“The World Cup is inspiring our young people, not just to perfect their stepover but to imagine the next great sports stadium, design soccer fields that combat climate change, build new platforms to connect their friends to matches, and much more,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This new Summer Youth Employment Program will help create the next generation of architects, engineers, and scientists right here in New York City, kicking off lifelong careers that will change the world long after the final whistle blows.”
Building Workforce-Ready Skills
DYCD Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies emphasized the program’s role in helping young people see what is possible for their future. “Through this partnership with New York City FC and City in the Community, SYEP participants will gain exposure to emerging industries, build workforce-ready skills, and apply their creativity to challenges that matter in their own neighborhoods,” she said.
Jennifer O’Sullivan, New York City FC COO, highlighted the club’s commitment to the city. “Investing in young people is also an investment in the future of our industry. This Challenge gives SYEP participants the chance to build skills, think entrepreneurially, and explore real career pathways in sports, technology, live events, and community impact.”
Exploring Cutting-Edge Topics
Funded and designed by City in the Community, the nonprofit foundation supported by New York City FC, and delivered in partnership with DYCD, the initiative began on July 6 and will run for six weeks. Participants are working with New York City FC professionals and faculty from New York University’s (NYU) School of Professional Studies to explore topics including Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, the globalization of sports, artificial intelligence, and careers across the sports industry.
Students will tackle projects such as designing a smart stadium of the future, creating a digital platform to connect young people to sports opportunities, and developing innovative community spaces that are inclusive and climate-resilient. The challenge is designed to become an annual SYEP initiative, connecting young New Yorkers to internships, paid work experience, and long-term careers in sports, technology, live events, and community development.
SYEP is the nation’s largest youth employment program, providing paid summer work experiences and career exploration opportunities for young people across New York City. Research has linked participation in SYEP to improved school attendance, stronger workforce outcomes, and lower rates of incarceration.
