Eastern New York Leagues Help Win The Fight For Youth Soccer In NYC
New York Soccer News: New York City’s leagues fought together to get the city to reverse its decision not to grant permits to play in New York City parks this fall.
On August 21, The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) and its member leagues came together with New Yorkers and waged a fight against the decision of New York City Parks and Recreation not to grant field permits for organized soccer activities this fall.
Read: NO REC SOCCER IN NYC? WHAT ARE KIDS TO DO?
Effecting tens of thousands of children, this decision was just overturned by York City’s Mayor Bill de Blasio on Friday who confirmed that permits will now be issued by the Parks Department beginning mid-September.
This is a reversal of the more “safety” oriented position from last week after the voices of soccer parents, youth soccer leagues, as well as local officials, were heard.
The majority of youth sports in New York City depend upon permits gramted by the Parks Department.
The mayor announced the decision during the “Ask the Mayor” segment on WNYC’s The Brian Lehrer Show. The decision received wide support, including praise from Brooklyn’s Senator Andrew Gounardes on Twitter.
On @BrianLehrer, @NYCMayor announces that youth sports leagues will receive permits to play in the fall. ⚽️🧢🏏⚾️ 🥍
— Andrew Gounardes (@agounardes) August 28, 2020
This is a victory for the many children & families in desperate need of a healthy, safe outlet.
“Thankfully we’re continuing to see improvement in beating back this disease, and can safely permit youth sports this fall. We’ll continue to monitor our progress and put health and safety first,” said de Blasio in an email statement.
“Our children have been through so much this year and have been yearning for more outdoor play.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
The Parks Department assumes the responsibility of monitoring youth soccer leagues. The permits can be revoked it a team receives three violations.
PETITION: Permit Youth Sports Organizations to use NYC Parks Fields this Fall
8,957 people signed the petition, raising awareness and successfuly winning the fight for New York’s kids.
The Petition stated, “New York City’s youth sports organizations provide recreational, athletic, and youth development programming that ensures the physical health, mental health, and social-emotional wellbeing of this city’s young people, children who represent every neighborhood and all socioeconomic backgrounds.”
For more on this story, read Andrea Salceedo’s artcle: Following Pressure From Parents And Youth Sports Leagues, NYC Parks Dept Will Issue Field Permits
