Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle World Cup Viewing Party Brings Community Together, Leaves Lasting Impact on Local Youth

Boys & Girls Club of America and the New York Life Foundation
 Welcome 300 Community Members and Showcase the Power of Soccer

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., July 29, 2026 – While the final whistle has blown on the 2026 summer of soccer, its impact continues to be felt in New Rochelle. Through the support of the New York Life Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle welcomed more than 300 youth and families for a World Cup Watch Party that celebrated cultural pride, strengthened community connections and inspired healthy, active lifestyles long after the tournament concluded. 

“The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle was thrilled to welcome and host our community, who clearly had a wonderful time and engaged in a fun shared experience in a safe, supportive, family-friendly environment,” said Club Chief Program Officer Will Iannuzzi. “The Watch Party also demonstrated the powerful lessons of teamwork, resilience and leadership through healthy competition, all helping create memories and foster friendships and understanding.”

Hosted in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the New York Life Foundation, the celebration invited youth and families to experience soccer clinics, freestyle soccer play, games, art activities, esports, and the championship match in a welcoming environment that reflected the diversity of the New Rochelle community. The event encouraged teamwork, physical activity and cultural appreciation while introducing new families to the Club and its year-round programs.

Powered by the New York Life Foundation’s Coaching the Future initiative with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the event reflects a shared commitment to helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive. To extend the impact beyond the event, Boys & Girls Clubs of America also donated foosball tables and FC 26 esports gaming equipment, creating new opportunities for Club members to stay active, build friendships and engage in healthy competition year-round. Free soccer balls and slippers were also donated, as were make-your-own tacos from a Tacos El Carrito of New Rochelle food truck, pizza, snacks and beverages.

“This celebration is about bringing the community together and welcoming everyone into the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle,” said Eric Osborne, the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Senior Director, Sports & esports. “Thanks to partners like the New York Life Foundation, we’re able to create meaningful experiences like today’s Watch Party while continuing to invest in programs that help young people thrive.”

Robert D., 16, a counselor in training at the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Mascaro Clubhouse, helped administer the giveaway of 300 soccer balls and 100 pairs of slippers. A “Club kid” since the age of 5, said it was inspiring to award free items and see recipients’ appreciation. He noted that the Club has been vital to his growth, education and maturity. “I’m surrounded by people who have helped me find myself,” he said, noting his interest in becoming an electrician. “I’m surrounded by ideas, and given that experience, it can help me narrow down what I’d like to do moving forward.”

Many youths wore colorful “One World, One Future” T-shirts given to the first 100 attendees. In addition, many wore Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle T-shirts, as well as soccer jerseys that proudly displayed the country they were rooting for and/or their own heritage.

For 96 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,100 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses. Events like the World Cup Watch Party demonstrate how community partnerships can create meaningful experiences that inspire young people today while strengthening the community for years to come.

Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at bgcnr.org and donate at bgcnr.org/donate. Visit bgca.org to learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of America and newyorklife.com/foundation to learn about the New York Life Foundation.