By Daniel Feuerstein | Bronx, NY | May 7th, 2026
Electronic Arts, the maker of the computer soccer game FC, and Spain’s LaLiga have teamed up to create a community soccer field in the South Bronx, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be upon us this summer. This is to promote the game and their FC Futures to help kids develop their skills and play the world’s favorite game within the neighborhood. They have refurbished a schoolyard playground to accommodate the construction of the futsal field at Public School/Middle School 31, located at E. 156th Street near Morris Ave.
The goal of creating these Community Soccer fields is to help children have the ability to participate and participate in the game of Soccer. Not just in the New York City area, but around the country and around the world. A local artist helped create the field with beautiful colors and a silhouette of a soccer player, and in big letters, “THE BRONX,” along the near side of the field. This marks the 10th pitch created by Electronic Arts with the partnership of Spain’s LaLiga globally. This project brings together soccer, creativity, and community to create a safe, inclusive space for children and families to enjoy the game and enhance their skills.
The community field of artistic identity has been created by Sotero Ortiz, who is known as BG183, an aspiring graffiti artist born and raised in the South Bronx and a founding member of Tats Cru. His creation is toward the four elements of hip-hop and everyday life in the borough, capturing the energy of street soccer and local culture, and creating a space that shows the identity of the community it serves. LaLiga Ambassador and former Dutch International Patrick Kluivert was at the unveiling with the locals and commented on the opening of the schoolyard field.
“Soccer has the power to connect people everywhere, and that is what makes initiatives like this collaboration with EA SPORTS FC FUTURES and LALIGA so special. Seeing a space like this open in the South Bronx, with so much personality and meaning for the local community, is truly inspiring. I hope every child who plays here feels that this pitch belongs to them — a place where they can dream big, enjoy the game, and create unforgettable memories,” said Kluivert
The local independent Soccer Club, South Bronx United, is also part of the celebration of this community field, as they will make sure the usage of this project is to promote a long-term education and football program, using soccer as a platform for academic support, mentoring, and leadership development. This field will be for more than 500 local students through school, and alongside year-round programming with community events designed to create lasting impact.
“FC FUTURES is about connecting our platform with real-world soccer to create opportunities for the next generation. While EA SPORTS FC lives in the game, our ambition goes beyond it – working with partners like LALIGA and local communities to create spaces where football can be played and experienced physically. Projects like this in the South Bronx show how football can bring people together and create a lasting impact,” said James Salmon, Senior Director, Partnerships Marketing, EA SPORTS FC. “Through FC FUTURES, EA SPORTS FC™ is helping to build a global platform that connects the digital and real-world game to expand access to football. This work, developed in partnership with LALIGA, now spans multiple regions across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, alongside complementary programs including equipment donations and youth initiatives such as Next Gen Draft. As part of this, BG183’s distinctive artwork will also feature in-game through a newly released kit inspired by the South Bronx pitch, further connecting players around the world to the culture and creativity behind the project.”
Jorge de la Vega, the Executive Director of Business of LaLiga, also gave his thoughts. “The FC FUTURES initiative reflects our belief that the future of soccer is built from the grassroots level up. This project in New York is especially meaningful because it brings together access to sport, long-term community impact, and a strong local identity. Together with EA SPORTS FC and our community partners, we want this pitch to become a place where young people can play, grow, and find new opportunities through football.”
I hope the kids and the school put the community field to good use for the students and the neighborhood, as the World Cup will be here very soon, for the greatest soccer party the world wants to be a part of it. To reach this field from Manhattan and from Westchester County, take the MTA Metro North commuter rail to the Melrose station and walk south for three blocks.
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