ABOUT THE SUMMIT

The Youth Leaders Summit is made possible by a coalition of the top impact-driven, nonprofit, soccer-based youth development organizations in the Northeastern United States. The event is managed independently and not directly affiliated with FIFA or the US Soccer Federation.

The 1st Annual Youth Leaders Summit on July 24-27, 2025, will bring together 100 young leaders attending as delegations representing a diverse group of youth partners in the sector. The Summit will be held over four days in Erie, PA while drawing upon the excitement from and building a legacy for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Youth attendees will build their skill sets, knowledge, networks, and experience to become future leaders in the field. The impact of the Summit will extend well beyond the youth leaders and delegations in the room. Each youth delegation will design projects that they will implement over the subsequent months and years to uplift their home communities.

In 2026, the Youth Leaders Summit will be held in parallel to the FIFA Men’s World Cup and further build off the event’s energy and leverage the world’s eyes and interest.

A group of people seated and attentively listening at an event.
Group of young people gathered around a table outdoors, involved in an activity or discussion, looking at papers.
Group of young people in sports attire sitting on a field, some wearing yellow vests, looking engaged and attentive.

AbouT THE VENUE

Youth Leaders Summit ‘25 will be held at the Erie Sports Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Erie Sports Center is a state-of-the-art multi-sports complex offering ten soccer fields, including a fully-equipped indoor dome for year-round training and competition. The facility also provides accommodations for over 400 student-athletes, a private school, and a cafeteria, and will soon offer a top-of-the-range 14,000-square-foot sports medicine and performance pavilion.

steering committee

Andrew So, Chair
Executive Director, South Bronx United

Ziham Ascencio
Program Director, Street Soccer USA

Troy Bingham
Owner, Erie Sports Center

Mary Connor
Executive Director, Common Goal USA

JT Dorsey
Executive Director, JT Dorsey Foundation

Bailee Eaglin
Sr Manager, Community Development, New York City FC

Justin Forzano
Executive Director, Open Field International

Caroline Foscato
Executive Director, Soccer Unity Project

Jack Jacobs
Manager, Community Dev, New York City FC

David Ricca
Advisor, Street Soccer USA & Vamos Venture Partners

John Riordan
Executive Director, America Scores New York

Andrea Rodgers
Executive Director, Starfinder Foundation

Darius Shirzadi
Executive Director, Project Goal!

Jennifer Tepper
Executive Director, Soccer Without Borders

Meredith Whitley
Professor, Adelphi University