Schoolyard Soccer

Ruhan Ali, New York, USA

Goal Click teamed up with New York City FC to tell the inside story of the New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI), building 50 mini soccer pitches in communities across the five New York City boroughs with partners from the Mayor’s Fund to Advance NYC, U.S. Soccer Foundation, adidas, and Etihad Airways. Youth participants aged 8-23 told the story of their own football life, street soccer culture, and the impact of the pitches on their communities.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life?

My name is Ruhan Ali, I'm 10 years old and I go to PS 133. I was born in New York and my family is from Bangladesh. I like to play soccer with my older brother who is really good. I usually play soccer at home or in the park sometimes.

Who is in these photos? Do any of them have interesting stories?

I was taking pictures playing soccer with my family. Some photos are in the schoolyard and others are in the park near my home. While I was taking photos a group of people came to play soccer and we all played together while I continued to take photos.

What does football mean to you? What ambitions do you have for the future?

It is important because soccer is the only thing I can play and I'm good at soccer.  I meet new people when we are playing together. To me football means having fun.  In the future I want to be a professional football player.

What impact has the NYCSI programme had on you?

It is new but I use the soccer field at our schoolyard when I play soccer with my friends and family.

What do you think the future looks like for soccer in New York and the USA? What do you want to change?

In the future it will be the same but perhaps the goals and ball will be different or improved. If I wanted to change something I would change when the goalie has to use their hands.  I would not let the goalie use their hands.