Help Asylum Seekers Thrive in NYC: Soccer and Community

Newcomers FC is an informal network of asylum seekers from Senegal, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, the Gambia, Morocco, Western Sahara, Chad, Sudan, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and Honduras, who come together to play soccer and eat communally. The hope is that participants feel welcomed and valued by the soccer community of New York City and that each gathering can offer resources and helpful connections. The group’s main WhatsApp serves as a hub for information about food pantries, legal services, and other resources. Newcomers FC remains open to anyone passing through the NYC migrant shelter system. Membership expands through word-of-mouth.

Thanks to the generosity of Woodbine FC, the club meets twice a week for training and competition, and periodically for other events.

We cater each gathering with the help of local chefs and organizations like One Love Community Fridge. However, supplemental food expenses come from the pockets of Mars, Avram, and other contributors as turnout increases. These amount to roughly $100.00 per week.

We also incur expenses for material needs:

Critical

60x cleats - sizes 7-12 - $1,126.8

60x undergarments + socks -- $269

60x jerseys, shorts -- $600

4x medical kits - $104

1 x Soccer nets $129

Total: $2,228

Important

60x backpacks - $779

10x soccer ball - $180

4x goalie gloves - $100

60x water bottles - $80

Total: $1,139