NY KICKS Program

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Objective

Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $5 million in grant funding to support the creation, expansion, and enhancement of community soccer fields across New York State.

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Overview

The arrival of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in New York presents an opportunity for the state to translate this historic event into enduring community value and support New Yorkers in growing a lifelong love of the sport. As part of the festivities across New York, Governor Hochul is launching NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund to build soccer infrastructure in disadvantaged communities across each region of the state to strengthen neighborhoods and bring people together through a shared love of the game.

Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $5 million in grant funding to support the creation, expansion, and enhancement of community soccer fields for youth and players of all ages across New York State. By investing in soccer infrastructure at this pivotal moment, NY Kicks seeks to translate global inspiration into sustained local benefit—creating spaces where players can thrive, communities can gather, and neighborhoods can grow stronger together.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) will also offer a companion grant program for operating expenses. A link to the OCFS guidelines will be provided here once the program and application details are available.

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Eligibility

Eligible Applicants include 

  • Municipalities 

  • Public Authorities

  • Nonprofits (excluding schools and/or universities applying directly. However, schools and/or universities are welcome to partner with nonprofit entities that provide programming for soccer) 

Eligible Costs

Costs must be related to the creation, expansion, or renovation of a publicly accessible soccer field intended for long-term use. Eligible costs include:

  • Site Preparation, demolition, or construction costs related to the completion of a new or upgraded soccer field;

    • Note: Proposed budgets that only contain costs for site preparation and/or demolition will not be considered. Costs for the creation of a new, upgraded, or expanded soccer field must also be included.

  • Permanent soccer field infrastructure (e.g., goal posts, bleachers, lighting, or fences);

  • Utility infrastructure directly related to the operation of the soccer field (e.g., wiring for stadium lights);

  • Paving or construction costs for parking lots or driveways that directly access the soccer field (may not exceed 10% of the total project budget); and,

  • Other costs deemed eligible by ESD. 

Ineligible Costs

  • Land acquisition costs;

  • Vehicles;

  • Lease payments or rent;

  • Playgrounds, concession stands, or recreational features unrelated to soccer;

  • Costs incurred prior to grant award or contract execution; 

  • Operating expenses, including but not limited to:

    • Routine maintenance or ongoing repairs;

    • Staffing, coaching, referees, or administrative salaries;

    • Programmatic costs, league fees, or tournament expenses;

    • Equipment that is not permanently affixed, including portable goal posts; or

    • Uniforms, balls, training equipment, or supplies. 

    • Other costs determined ineligible by ESD.

Ineligible Projects

Include the creation or modification of any soccer field that is:

  • Primarily used for non-soccer activities (e.g., other sports); or,

  • Restricted and not open to the public, or charges individual participants for use of the field. Modest fees for league use or similar costs for large groups are allowed.

Award Range

  • $75,000 to $200,000

  • Awards will cover a maximum of 50% of the proposed project cost. Proposals that request a lower level of ESD match will be scored more favorably.

Selection Criteria

  • Project Impact and Community Need

    • Demonstrates a strong need for the creation or enhancement of a soccer field in the community;

    • Details how the new or expanded field would increase local participation in soccer; 

    • Proposed field location provides economic opportunities for the community (e.g., the field is near commercial corridors that would be patronized by players); and,

    • Priority consideration will be given to projects located in severely and moderately distressed areas. Economically distressed areas shall be based on metrics such as population loss, unemployment rate compared to the State’s rate, private sector employment rate compared to the State’s rate, percentage of households receiving public assistance, poverty rate, per capital income rate, and other factors considered by ESD. Economically Distressed Area (Census Tract) Map

  • Project Readiness and Feasibility

    • Clear project plan with defined scope, timeline, and budget;

    • Documentation of site control;

    • Demonstrated capacity of applicant to successfully complete the project; and,

    • Established financial and operational plan for ongoing field maintenance and upkeep.

  • Leverages non-ESD co-investment.