Fans watching NYCFC in action against FC Cincinnati in Week 11 will have noticed a new jersey front for the Cityzens.
The Etihad Airways logo was replaced by the words "Cityzens Giving for the South Bronx” with the special jerseys to be auctioned off and all proceeds going directly to serving the South Bronx. NYCFC owners City Football Group will match all funds raised dollar-for-dollar.
The Cityzens Giving for Recovery initiative launched on July 1 and is part of the club's 12-month campaign to aid the relief efforts around COVID-19. NYCFC and its partners have already donated 143,000 meals to New York Common Pantry’s Bronx project throughout the pandemic. On September 10 the club also hosted a digital fundraiser with first-team players and coaches, and NYCFC staff will be donating a day’s work to volunteer in the South Bronx.
“Though unfortunately we cannot play our current matches in the Bronx after necessary schedule changes during COVID, the South Bronx is our home. It is very important for us to represent this community and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to this area even while we are playing elsewhere," said NYCFC CEO Brad Sims in a club statement.
“We also know how hard this area was hit during COVID and want to continue to use our platform as a soccer team – and the resources we have as part of a global group – to uplift our neighbors as we work to get back on our feet."
