Play Soccer Nonprofit International Receives Important Support

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton City Council has approved a resolution awarding funds to local nonprofit organizations through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP). Under ARP, the City can allocate federal relief funds to local organizations that seek to benefit local communities and improve children’s health. Play Soccer Nonprofit International will receive a grant of $75,000.

Play Soccer Nonprofit International, a non-profit organization located at 601 North Clinton Avenue, has operated the Trenton Youth Soccer League (TYSL) for the past seven years. The TYS is a free program providing recreational soccer opportunities to both male and female students. Funding will help support the afterschool program at nine of the districts’ schools, as well as the Saturday morning program at George Page Park, and summer programs at other parks throughout the city. More than 500 children registered with the program in 2022, and Play Soccer hopes to grow even further with the help of this funding.

“Play Soccer has been a wonderful partner for City youth for several years. We’re glad to have the ability and opportunity to give back, to thank them for their service to our City’s kids,” said Council President Teska Frisby. Mayor Reed Gusciora added, “I and many others throughout the city are continually impressed by the work of PSNI. I’m glad we’re able to use this relief funding to help Play Soccer provide more opportunities for kids to have fun and to bond with one another.”

“This grant will greatly help us continue to serve the Trenton community,” said Kurt Lituma, Vice Chair of PSNI. “We at PSNI are so very grateful to the City for awarding this funding to us, and look forward to collaborating further to spread the love of soccer throughout the City.” 

Jennifer Hernandez, a student at Trenton Central High School and a volunteer coach, shared, “Being a part of this amazing program, I’ve learned the importance of ensuring that the kids in our community are getting outside, having fun, and trying something new. In a short time, I got to know the kids really well, and fell in love with the game of soccer again. I realized how much these kids needed access to programs like this and how important the connection this sport brings is, especially in our community where people are often focused on just getting through their daily lives. The excitement of the kids when they learn something new or master a new skill means everything and makes me love being there as a coach.”

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