The Young Leaders Summit continued at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where participants explored how football can be a powerful tool for promoting healthier lives and creating positive change in communities.  

Set against the backdrop of the iconic Manhattan skyline, Young Leaders took part in a series of interactive workshops led by coaches from City in the Community. The sessions demonstrated how football can be used to empower healthier lives, supporting both physical and mental well-being in US communities.

Working in both community and team environments, the practical sessions allowed Young Leaders to explore how effective coaching can create safe, inclusive spaces where young people feel supported and engaged. The sessions also highlighted how football can be used to encourage positive habits, build confidence and strengthen social connections on and off the pitch.

The sessions began with energiser games and team-building challenges moving into practical coaching sessions focused on key themes including teamwork, inclusion and creating supportive environments for young people to play and thrive.

Throughout the week, participants have reflected on how their leadership and coaching styles have evolved during the Summit, while exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and learning from one another.

Oscar Mojica from the Puede Network in Dallas said “I’ve really loved meeting new people, hearing everyone’s story, getting to know their cultures and how they do things in their city and I really want to learn from their experiences.

“I think everyone is special here and we can come together to keep building and supporting our communities after this Summit with new learnings and perspectives on how to approach our coaching and leadership roles back home in our cities”. 

Here are some highlights from the coaching sessions!