Awards
The Community Playmaker Project committee of dedicated NYC high school students
has chosen the foundations with the most impact in a variety of ways.
Community Playmaker Awards
Community Powerhouse
For the award of “Community Powerhouse,” I believe NYCFC’s City in the Community organization is the most deserving program for their work all over New York City. By building more than 50 mini soccer pitches in all five boroughs, NYCFC has attempted to grow the intrigue around soccer by providing spaces to play along with free programs year round. The CITC department often contacts local residents and council members to help serve the needs of New Yorkers all over the city. As the popularity of soccer grows leading up to the Fifa World Cup next summer, NYCFC will not only continue to be active as a foundation, but they will also form stronger connections to the community all over New York City.
Jonas Brohn, high school Senior. Favorite Sports: Soccer, Hockey
Game Changer Program
I chose the Mets for the Game Changer Program award because their Ya Gotta Read program makes a real, lasting impact. Encouraging kids to read every night and rewarding their progress helps build positive habits early on. Literacy and education are fundamental to how kids grow up to be successful adults, and the Mets are using their platform to support that growth. Recognizing students' achievements in such a visible way shows they truly value learning and community.
Sammy Zayas, high school Senior. Favorite Sports: Soccer
Innovation in Action
The Garden of Dreams Foundation has been awarded with the Innovation In Action Award because of their efforts to internationally grow access to the performing arts. Through their annual Talent Show at Radio City Music Hall, the Garden of Dreams Foundation is bringing the stage to hundreds of young people and simultaneously fostering more opportunities and spaces for youth in the arts. This initiative demonstrates the power of global outreach and inclusion.
Annabel Farmakis, high school Senior. Favorite Sports: Track and Field
Heart of the Team
Gotham FC’s deep-rooted commitment to LGBTQ empowerment reflects a genuine and powerful connection with its fanbase, making it a standout for the Heart of the Team Award. With many players, staff, and supporters proudly identifying as LGBTQ+, the club’s Pride-themed Kickabouts, inclusive youth programs, and gender equity are a reflection of the club’s identity. This alignment between team values and supporter culture fosters a sense of belonging and pride that strengthens the bond between Gotham FC and its community. The club doesn't just celebrate diversity, it lives it, making its connection to fans both authentic and unbreakable
Camila, high school Junior. Favorite Sports: Track and Field, Tennis
Community Spotlight
I chose the New York Giants for the community spotlight award because I felt their website had its clarity and accessibility. From the moment I opened the site, their mission was clearly communicated, and their important initiatives and partners were clearly laid out. Below this model is something that was difficult to find on other websites, a link to a PDF titled “2024” which was a comprehensive summary of every event and program the foundation had run the year before, complete with engaging images and interesting information. The New York Giants website provides clarity and easy access to programs and initiatives within the New York community, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and outreach. Their social media pages also post often and engage with the fan community, keeping the fans up to date with the happenings of the foundation
Evan Pollack, high school Senior. Favorite Sports: All of them