A report says the New York organisation held two free showcases on Randall’s Island on 26 and 27 July, giving 130 boys and girls the chance to play in front of scouts. The events were split across the weekend, with boys taking part on Saturday and girls on Sunday.
Gotham FC director of youth development Marisa Kresge attended and described the talent level as “very high”, according to the report. Scouts and college representatives have also attended earlier events. The account says 51 players from the first showcase found schools, including Menelik Richards, who is now heading to the College of Staten Island.
That opportunity matters in a youth football landscape where access to teams, coaching and exposure can depend heavily on cost. Youth 4 Youth FC’s approach, as described in the report, is to keep its clinics, camps, training sessions and showcases free, with sponsorship helping cover the events.
Founder Brando Babini started the project while still at school and now hopes to take it beyond New York. The report identifies Philadelphia, Dallas and Chicago as possible next cities, while Babini’s longer-term ambition is to reach 10,000 players.
The organisation also puts younger coaches close to the players they mentor. That creates a pathway not only for athletes seeking exposure, but for young people looking to contribute to the game themselves.
The next test will be whether the free-showcase model can travel without losing its focus on access. If Youth 4 Youth FC can build support in other cities, its next chapter could give more overlooked players a route from local football towards college opportunities and the wider scouting network.