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Free Soccer Program Keeps NYC Latino and Immigrant Youth Practicing Skills at Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2020

FIFA World Cup Champion and Queensboro FC Co-Founder David Villa, Council Member Francisco Moya, and Hispanic Federation to Launch Third Season of Immigrant Youth Soccer Program

Queens, NY – Young immigrants, Latino youth, and unaccompanied minors once again have the opportunity to keep their soccer skills sharp throughout the Fall as FIFA World Cup Champion and Queensboro FC Co-Founder David Villa, NYC Council Member Francisco Moya and Hispanic Federation launch the third season of the Soccer Camp for Immigrant and Latinx Youth.

Originally conceived in 2019 as an in-person soccer academy for unaccompanied minors living in New York City, the program was forced to shift to virtual programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The change allowed the soccer camp to open to a wider audience and move to a two-season program, with a Spring session being planned for 2021.

The soccer camp, operated through a generous grant and support from the Office of New York City Council Member Francisco Moya, is open to all Queens youth between the ages of 5 and 17 and is free of charge.

“Fútbol is the universal language that unites us all and we need programs like this soccer camp to combat the negative effects of COVID-19 on our community,” said NYC Council Member Francisco Moya. “This new season of the soccer academy will ensure that youth can build social connections and stay healthy, all the while learning from the best of the best in soccer like World Cup champ David Villa. I am grateful to David and the DV7 Academy for their commitment, and to partners like Hispanic Federation that are tirelessly working for the betterment of our community.”

This year’s programming will be offered exclusively through an app called OWQLO, allowing participants to use mobile devices to access content rather than relying on internet-enabled computers. David Villa’s renowned DV7 Soccer Academy has designed a 7-week curriculum of interactive videos to improve technical skills, fitness training, along with quizzes about soccer, soccer players, and FIFA World Cup facts. All of the content is offered in both Spanish and English.

In addition to the DV7 Soccer Academy, Villa is also committed to strengthening the community with his ownership in Queensboro FC. As Co-Founder of this new United Soccer League (USL) professional soccer club, he will continue to maintain a presence in New York City, support programs that serve Hispanic youth and families, and help rebuild the city as it approaches a post-pandemic reality.

“Children need to stay motivated, active and connected during these difficult and unpredictable times, and this soccer camp is extremely important to me,” says David Villa. “I want to continue providing the youth with my knowledge, experience and inspiration - so that they can train their minds and bodies to always stay healthy and positive. One camp can make a lifelong difference for a child, and I am committed to helping shape their overall growth and development.”

As part of their immigration work, Hispanic Federation has been a partner of the program since its

inception. The social-justice and service organization has focused this year on strengthening relations with existing partner foster care agencies, and reaching out to Queens based immigration organizations, schools, and other institutions to ensure the program continues to predominantly serve unaccompanied minors, immigrant youth and other young people in marginalized communities. Approximately 60 youth have enrolled in the program with room for up to 200 more.

“This soccer program was created two years ago to provide youth who have been through hardship with a healthy outlet, entertainment, and the opportunity to simply enjoy being a kid. It is more important than ever that programs like this not only continue but evolve to provide a sense of relief during these turbulent times,” said Frankie Miranda, President of Hispanic Federation. “The Latino community, the Queens community, and immigrant communities everywhere have all been hit especially hard by COVID-19 and if this soccer program can provide a sense of normalcy to a young person for even a moment, we have all done our jobs. I am truly grateful to all the partners who helped make this happen once again.”

The Fall season of the soccer program runs through December 18th and youth are encouraged to continue to register. Visit: DV7soccer.com/hispanicfederation for more information.

Contact: 
Matthew Rojas
mrojas@hispanicfederation.org

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About Hispanic Federation: The mission of the Hispanic Federation is to empower and advance the Hispanic community. Hispanic Federation provides grants and services to a broad network of Latino non-profit agencies serving the most vulnerable members of the Hispanic community and advocates nationally on vital issues of education, health, immigration, civil rights, economic empowerment, civic engagement, and the environment. For more information, please visit www.HispanicFederation.org.

 

About David Villa: David Villa is one of Spain’s most accomplished footballers and the national team´s all-time top scorer. Villa has scored more than 400 goals for club and country and has won the FIFA World Cup (2010), UEFA European Championship (2008), UEFA Champions League (2011) along with three La Liga titles (2010- 11, 2012-13, 2013-14). As an entrepreneur, he founded the DV7 Soccer Academies, providing soccer education to kids worldwide, including one in Queens, NYC. Since 2019, he is also part of the ownership group of the USL Championship franchise Queensboro FC.

 

About Council Member Francisco Moya: Council Member Francisco Moya represents the New York City Council’s 21st District, which encompasses Corona, East Elmhurst, LeFrak City and parts of Jackson Heights. He chairs the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and sits on seven other committees: Civil Service and Labor; Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations; Finance; Immigration; Land Use; Parks and Recreation; and Hospitals. Council Member Moya also serves as the vice co-chair of the Black, Latino, and Asian Caucus (BLAC). For more information, please visit council.nyc.gov/francisco-moya.

 

About DV7 Soccer: The DV7 Soccer Academy is a network of international youth soccer clubs led by David Villa, former World Cup winner and Spain’s all-time leading goal scorer. The organization’s mission is to teach children around the world how to play soccer using the DV7 method, based on the Spanish soccer methodology, which has proven effective and successful around the world. It is the method that David Villa learned as a child, carried throughout his career, and perfected under the guidance of some of the best coaches of all time.

 

About Queensboro FC (QBFC): Queensboro FC (QBFC) is the first professional men’s soccer team in Queens, New York. The club will kick off in 2021 and play in The USL Championship, the top tier of the USL. QBFC’s ownership group is led by international soccer star David Villa and New York entrepreneur Jonathan Krane.