New York City FC gives back during COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 might have shut down sports, but it has not shut down New York City FC. Here is what the club is doing to help out their community during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread all over the world, but for New York, the problem is unlike anywhere else. The state has the most cases in the world, while New York City has been especially hard-hit with over 110,000 cases and the number expected to rise. With a city in troubled times, New York City FC has stepped up to the plate. The club is known for giving back to the community, and it has continued to do so during the pandemic.

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Firstly, sports teams all over the world are feeling the impact of COVID-19, from monetary losses to job furloughs and pay cuts. One group of employees that is greatly impacted is gameday staff. Without games, these individuals are without work and are highly susceptible to struggle during these trying times.

Fortunately, NYCFC and the New York Yankees have united to help their staff. On April 2, both teams announced the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Program for their gameday workers, totaling $1.4 million. According to Dan Martin at the New York Post, the program will do the following:

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"“The needs-based grant initiative will provide assistance for eligible full- and part-time game-day staff impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, including those working for the Yankees, Legends Hospitality and NYCFC.”"

This program is on top of the $1 million already being put towards Yankee Stadium employees. It illuminates how both teams care for and value their gameday staff. They could have been told to just file for unemployment. While morally uncertain, to say the least, any club would have been within their rights to do so, and many companies, sports and otherwise, have done precisely that around the world. But instead, the Yankees and New York City FC stepped up to abet and support their employees in need.

NYCFC are not just helping their own employees; they are supporting their community. On April 8, the club announced that they are donating 100,000 meals to ‘South Bronx residents through NY Common Pantry during this critical time of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City.’ For some New Yorkers, it was difficult to get food prior to the pandemic. Now, with many out of work, the assistance needed from food pantries has increased significantly.

NY Common Pantry already provides meals and resources to over 81,000 Bronx residents. Executive Director Stephen Grimaldi stated the following:

"“This crisis has exacerbated the already dire food insecurity situation in NYC. We’re seeing more new members, more families with children, and more newly unemployed individuals come to our Pantry for groceries. Partnerships like the one we have with NYCFC is crucial to our ability to remain a valuable resource for individuals and families in the Bronx.”"

This donation by New York City FC was perceptive. It will go a long way with aiding families in need. One of the biggest concerns during this time is whether individuals will have access to essentials like food and medicine. Directly donating meals will relieve some of the concern, even just for a little while.

Also, the club is facing their own struggles during this time. While Major League Soccer is growing, these teams do not have the same money or value that other major sports teams do in the United States. They are now also without revenue with matches suspended. Sports teams rely heavily on matchday and TV income, neither of which they are currently receiving. NYCFC has a wealthy ownership group, but there is no guarantee that the club will manage through this pandemic economically unscathed.

The desire to still give back in uncertain times, then, highlights their continuing promise of service in New York City. Historically, the club has faced transparency issues, but their service, both in actions and donations, remains consistent, and is one of their better characteristics, on or off the pitch.

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If COVID-19 continues to impact the country, and especially New York, for a longer period of time than expected, fans can guarantee the club will find ways to help. Whether it be their own employees or those in the city, New York City FC will be there to lend a hand.

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