Build it and they will come: Street Soccer park opens at PS 94

Staff

Build it and they will come: Street Soccer park opens at PS 94
SSUSA NY Associate Program Director Fernand Grisales (far left) and Program Director Ziham Ascencio (far right) celebrate the completion of Gilligan Soccer Park at PS 94 with the young players and staff who helped build it.

A brand-new soccer park now sits on the blacktop at PS 94, just off Sixth Ave on 51st St., expanding the Street Soccer USA program and providing new fields for all of Sunset Park.

“The most exciting thing is that the people building this park are our participants, former players and some who are still with us, now coaches and young leaders for the younger kids,” said Ziham Ascencio, Program Director for SSUSA’s New York chapter. “It’s amazing to see people come together to give back.”

The build features two small-sided turf pitches with a removable divider so the space can convert into one larger field for bigger matches. Named after the Gilligan family, whose donation of more than $300,000 funded construction, the space gives more children and teens the chance to play.

“Now we’re going to be able to bring more programming to other kids that we didn’t have the capacity to serve in the past,” said Ascencio. “Space is such a big issue for us to be able to deliver services.”

Their goal is to create a school league in Sunset Park similar to the one they’ve set up in the Bronx. They’re already partnered with schools like PS 1, where they often hold practices during colder months, PS 24 and PS 94, where the park is located. Ascencio says they’re in talks with PS 235, but she hopes to speak directly to District 15 Superintendent Rafael Alvarez to ensure the league is accessible to as many students as possible, even those outside the district.

Programming will ramp up in early September, with league play beginning in the spring.

SSUSA’s work goes beyond practices and games. They provide after-school programs, support school recess, offer homework help, and connect families to outside social services when needed. The park and programming are free for neighborhood kids, with no cost for families to participate or attend games. As the program expands, so does the need—they’re seeking more staff, volunteers, equipment and donations. To donate or get involved: https://www.streetsoccerusa.org/donate/

For Associate Program Director Fernand Grisales, who grew up nearby, the field is personal. “Access to play was limited when I was a kid,” he said. “Being able to provide soccer right here, whether it’s your first time or you can’t afford travel teams, that’s why we’re here.”

Coach Richard Herrera, who helped build the site, added: “We put up the walls and nets in three days. I feel proud—young people working like a team. Coaching is fun too. We get to help kids grow as players and as people.”

Miguel, who lives across the street and played with SSUSA from age 8 to 15, stopped by for a closer look at the nearly completed field in late August. “I saw it last time I was going by and I thought, this has to be something with Street Soccer,” he said. Although he’s no longer in the program, he was surprised and happy to learn the fields will be available to the whole community.

On community access, Ascencio was clear: “Absolutely, it will be open for everyone. We just want to keep it safe and take care of it for the kids and the community.”