New York City Football Club Invited the Whole City to a 24-Hour Soccer Match

Last week, New York City Football Club (NYCFC), in partnership with agency Johannes Leonardo, hosted a 24-hour soccer game at Rockefeller Center, giving 500+ New Yorkers the opportunity to play on the Plaza and the chance to be coached by NYCFC players and Head Coach Patrick Vieira in the middle of Manhattan. In anticipation of the Club’s home opener on Sunday, March 11, the Team Villa vs. Team Vieira 24-hour match kicked off at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9 and continued until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. 

“We want to bring together the City, the people who make it great and our soccer Club that is proud to call this place home,” said Jon Patricof, President of NYCFC, ahead of the even. “New York is The City That Never Sleeps, so we’re inviting New Yorkers of all skills to an around-the-clock soccer game to launch the Club’s fourth season.

“To play soccer outside at Rockefeller Center, one of the most iconic places in the world, will be an incredible experience for anyone who wants to play, or even just come down to watch and cheer on the teams.” 

The five-on-five game played through a 24-hour duration, with participants on rotation and a DJ entertaining the crowd. In addition, Head Coach Patrick Vieira, Team Captain David Villa and other players from NYCFC lent their coaching skills to participants during the start of the event. 

NYCFC’s David Villa shared his thoughts on this exciting moment for soccer in New York: “Soccer is great because it brings people together and you can play in any space. It will be amazing to play with so many people in the middle of Manhattan that I am proud to call my new home. By the end of the game, it is going to be a very high score and I hope my team finishes on top. 

“I can’t think of a more exciting way to start our new season. I can’t wait to see a soccer pitch at Rockefeller Center.” 

NYCFC was also collecting donations to support City in the Community (CITC), the nonprofit foundation proudly supported by NYCFC that uses the power of soccer to promote health, education and leadership development and safe spaces throughout the five boroughs.  

Here are some photos from the event: