Interviews: Matthew O, New York New Jersey
Youth Media Forward reporter Matthew attended the 2026 New Jersey Youth Soccer Summit, where he heard from three soccer leaders about the opportunities that the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents for soccer throughout the state.
Yael Averbuch West is the General Manager of Gotham FC. She shares that while 2026 is the men’s World Cup it is a wonderful opportunity for women’s soccer as well, because “it’s a moment when everyone’s paying attention to the game.”
Luis Robles, Technical Director of MLS Next and former goalkeeper with New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami, describes how the 1994 World Cup - the last time that the United States hosted - was the stepping stone that led to his soccer career. The upcoming World Cup will inspire thousands more young people, he says.
Dave Jervis, Head of Youth Programs at Red Bulls New York talks about the excitement around the Brazil national team choosing the Red Bulls’ training facility in Morris Township as their World Cup home base.
Watch the full video above.
Held at Sports Illustrated Stadium, the New Jersey Youth Soccer Summit was hosted by Red Bull New York and New Jersey Youth Soccer, presented by RWJBarnabas Health.
Related: An interview with Yael Averbuch West by New Jersey-based Youth Media Forward reporters Declan and Fatima
Matthew is a New Jersey based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the New York New Jersey participants here
