2023 Street Soccer USA’s Times Square Cup Showcases Talent and Diversity of NYC’s Thriving Soccer Culture:

4v4 Competition Draws International Attention, Features First Ever Women’s Cup; Benefits NYC Neighborhoods

October 3rd, 2023. New York, NY—Street Soccer USA (SSUSA), the national organizer of 4v4 street soccer competitions and bottom-up, soccer for social change programs across the country, announced the return today of the Street Soccer USA TImes Square Cup, Saturday, October 7th 2023 at Father Duffy Square in the very heart of Times Square, New York.

Hosted in partnership with New York City’s Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD), the SSUSA TImes Square Cup takes place a custom built soccer court the size of basketball court which will feature fifty matches, 450 goals, live DJs, and match commentary over 12 consecutive hours. Live stream details are forthcoming.

“I grew up with this program, dreaming of this Cup all year round. It’s something very, very special. As soon as you wake up, you just want to put on your shoes and play,“ commented Haroune Bilal,19, from Claremont Village in the Bronx, who played in last year’s cup representing the Bronx in the highly anticipated Brooklyn-Bronx Classico match. Haroune now coaches for SSUSA while attending college at City Tech.

Kicking off at 9am, The Times Square Youth Cup presented by world famous German soccer powerhouse, Borussia Dortmund (BVB)—home club of U.S. National Team star and New York hometown hero Gio Reyna—brings together over 300 youth from across the city in Street Soccer USA programs and includes teams from this summer’s first ever DCYD International Soccer Cup. BVB legend and World Cup winner Roman Weidenfeller will present medals to youth and compete in the Open Competion for Team BVB.

“We are incredibly excited to have the Times Square Cup return once again this year and to co-host the youth competition together with Street Soccer USA,” said Benedikt Scholz, Director of Internationalization & Commercial Partnerships of BVB. “The beautiful game of soccer should be accessible to everyone around the globe and we hope to contribute to that vision through our grassroots & CSR efforts with Street Soccer USA.” As part of the Youth Cup, players will be outfitted in the black and yellow colored uniforms of Borussia Dortmund and be treated to special appearances from mascot, Emma Bee, and Borussia Dortmund player legend, Roman Weidenfeller.

At 12:30pm, UNIQLO, corporate social responsibility partner of SSUSA, which has benefited over 50,000 youth nationally over the last decade, will present the first Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Award to recognize the leadership potential and off field accomplishment of two young leaders from Street Soccer USA’s programs in NYC neighborhoods. Serie A, the Italian professional soccer league, will also make a special announcement about the SSUSA Media Center program they have developed with SSUSA at Community School 55 in the Bronx, preparing youth with introductory skills and insight into careers in digital media.

“Since the start of our partnership in 2013, it has been a joy to provide our apparel for Street Soccer USA teams, and see these young players excel on and off the field,” said Yoshihide Shindo, UNIQLO USA CEO. “The Times Square Cup is something our team members always look forward to, and we are excited to present the first ‘Teamwork Makes the Dream Work’ award this year, recognizing two individuals who have displayed exceptional sportsmanship, guidance, and leadership to their fellow players and coaches.”

The afternoon and evening will play host to the First SSUSA Times Square Women’s Cup, which highlights Street Soccer USA’s national girls initiative supported by Juventus F.C. and Degree’s #ChangetheField initiative to create more access for girls of color, as well as the SSUSA Times Square Open Cup hosting NYC soccer institutions like NYC Ecuadorians and visiting street soccer champions from Philadelphia, PA and Charlotte, NC. Women’s specific soccer shoe maker, IDA will donate street soccer shoes to all female participants.

“Soccer was born on the street, in the community. It something pure and a force for good. The SSUSA Times Square Cup elevates that truth on the most inspiring platform conceivable. It’s so affirming to have so many strong partners lifting up our kids and communities through this one of kind competition,” said founder and CEO of Street Soccer USA, Lawrence Cann.

Admission to the 2023 SSUSA Times Square Cup is free, and all are encouraged to attend. For additional information email event@streetsoccerusa.orgPress can register via email press@streetsoccerusa.org Leadership and participants available for interviews.

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About Street Soccer USA: Street Soccer USA (SSUSA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and strengthening communities through soccer. Through soccer its Street Soccer Parks, its soccer-based social emotional learning skill curriculum, and school and community based leagues and clubs,  SSUSA is creating a new, more inclusive paradigm for soccer in the United States. Learn more at www.streetsoccerusa.org.