A Message About the Cost of Living Classic

We have officially announced the launch of a new tournament uniting players from all five boroughs, The Cost of Living Classic — what we hear might become an annual tradition. That tournament will take place this Sunday, October 19.

The stage couldn't be more iconic. A new kind of Fall Classic right in the midst of MLB playoff season hosted at one of the nation's most iconic baseball venues, Maimonides Park in Coney Island. And without a NY baseball team left to attract New Yorkers to the sand lot, we're trading a Rawlings for a Paloma to keep the party going.

We're talking a 5-aside World Cup-style bracket with 10 games happening simultaneously while spectators root for anyone they damn well feel like, since they won't know any of the teams. Plus, classic Coney Island concessions will make the day even more memorable.

But first, a word.

A campaign led by long-time NYC Footy player Zohran Mamdani asked us to help produce this community soccer event. I said yes immediately. Not because I share Zohran’s political views, but because our mandate is simple: make soccer happen.

This is how NYC Footy needs to earn your trust — by putting our energy into bringing more soccer to more people, not by taking sides on non-soccer issues or isolating members of our community who don’t share my views on political agendas.

In fact, we really only have one rule about who doesn’t belong here. They’ve gone by the name “assholes” (or worse) for some, but to me, they’re energy vampires (not to be confused with our Vampire leagues) — folks who bring toxic energy on or off the pitch. And trust me, energy vampires have a diverse background and set of beliefs as well. Outside of that, we welcome everyone across all professions, beliefs, and backgrounds: bankers and bartenders, artists and analysts, those that call it "soccer" and those that call it "football" (it's called "footy", btw). Heck, even Democrats and Republicans are welcome. The magic of true community connection is that the strongest friendships often form not despite our differences, but because of them.

As I’m sure you’re acutely aware, we live in a time where nearly any topic can divide people — even a rec soccer tournament. it doesn't have to be this way. So long as we enjoy one another's company after engaging with curiosity and respect, what does it matter whether our minds or the opinions of others change?

If you’ve been around Footy long enough, you know I’m not stingy with words (I'm told I've put some players to sleep with my emails). Needless to say, some of you will find this email unnecessary and others will question the choice to produce this tournament at all. But I know most will appreciate the reassurance: NYC Footy isn’t “getting political.” We’re staying true to what’s always mattered — connection through play.

Put it this way: if it wasn’t Zohran who asked us to produce a soccer tournament, but one of his political opponents, we’d still do it — and I’d be writing this email.

Our staff and players are as diverse in thought as they are in background. By way of example, my co-founder, Gerardo, and I have a humorously respectful understanding that we disagree on more politically piqued topics than one might expect close friends and confidants could — yet we build this league side by side every day.

That’s the world I want for my kids — one where disagreement doesn’t end relationships, it deepens them.

I realize some of you might be thinking, “Whoa, Tarek. Please relax.” (That's a timely inside joke for the Footy Fest crowd.) And fair enough — but there’s a reason I’m taking it this far. Nearly every decision today seems to tap our tribal instincts when it doesn’t have to. Without context, this one might too and it's of the utmost importance to me that our entire community feels fully welcomed. At times that means explaining why we do what we do.

One of our core values is to "Communicate from a Brave Space". Respectfully sharing opinions, beliefs, ideas, etc without the risk of an unfriendly response or fear of being ostracized. We’re not only advancing soccer; we’re modeling the kind of community I hope we all want — one that engages with difference instead of retreating from it. Soccer has, for ages, been a tool for just that.

As for the practical side: running a soccer league in New York has never been harder. Field permits are scarce — and recent decisions have made them even more so. Among many other things, lights have been removed, budgets cut, and fees raised by 120%.

For 15 years, NYC Footy has worked to improve how this city supports recreational soccer — lobbying for better access, more lights, and stronger partnerships with Parks. In fact, we recently helped secure over $2M in lighting improvements for midtown fields, though there’s now a real chance they’ll never be installed. Despite these setbacks, we’ll continue to advocate for better access across all boroughs.

So when an influential leader — political or not — asks us to help put on a tournament that could bring more attention and resources to the sport, the answer will always be yes. And to be clear, we are being paid for our services.

If you align with Zohran’s vision, field a team. If you don’t but still love the game, field a team anyway. Either way, come play — and let’s talk: about soccer, about politics, about life. I’d love that (in person, not over text or email — that last bit’s important).

Soon I’ll share a “State of the Flock” update about what’s next for NYC Footy — our innovations, challenges, and hopes for the seasons ahead.

Until then, consider putting a team in for the first-ever Cost of Living Classic — a free 5v5 mixed-gender tournament taking place at Maimonides Park in Coney Island (home of the Brooklyn Cyclones) this Sunday, October 19 — hosted by Zohran for NYC.

Thirty-two teams, two divisions (competitive and casual), World Cup–style bracket: group stage, knockouts, finals and one heck of a festive atmosphere.

To learn more and register, visit The Cost of Living Classic.

Thanks for listening,

Tarek

P.S. I know you're desperately curious. Zohran is registered as a P2 player.