New York City's youth sports organizations provide recreational, athletic, development programming that ensures the physical health, mental health, and social-emotional wellbeing of this city’s young people, representing every neighborhood and socioeconomic background. In addition to helping children maintain healthy lifestyles and learn important life skills, our programs also keep teens engaged in positive activities with coaches, mentors, and role models. In the midst of continued economic challenges, gun violence, and lack of sufficient programming for our youth, we continue to be extremely important in supporting the health and well-being of the next generation.

However, for our programs to exist, we rely on fields and facilities operated by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. Without access to these fields, youth sport organizations will be unable to offer programming, leaving a devastating hole in the lives of tens of thousands of children and teens.

It should come as no surprise then, that we were dismayed by the recent news that the NYC government is considering the use of soccer fields and other parks as potential locations to house asylum seekers. We understand the City is dealing with an unprecedented number of arrivals and that it is struggling to meet the needs of these individuals. However, it simply cannot be at the expense of our youth.

NYC government must make responsible decisions.  Youth sports organizations provide vital opportunities for recreation, fitness, and athletics. By taking away field space from these programs, the city is depriving its children, youth, and parents from healthy physical activities that promote community and a healthy lifestyle.

As a result, we urge Mayor Eric Adams and his representatives to immediately stop considering these spaces as suitable locations for temporary shelters and allow long-standing youth organizations in New York City to continue to deliver vital services to our communities. With many of these programs slated to begin in early September, and children and families counting on these activities, a firm and prompt commitment is of the essence.