Glen Cove will receive $1 million in state funding to upgrade Pascucci Soccer Field, the Long Island city's only public soccer field.
The money will support installation of a turf field and other improvements intended to keep the site available for youth leagues, informal play and community gatherings. City youth services director Spiro Tsirkas said the turf upgrade has been planned for years and will serve adults as well as young players.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the grant Thursday as part of the state's broader effort to expand outdoor recreation following New York's role in hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will help administer the funding.
Pascucci Field has served Glen Cove residents for generations and is used by soccer leagues and youth programs that serve more than 1,000 children, according to Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.
State officials said the field also serves Glen Cove's Italian American and growing Hispanic communities, where soccer has a strong following.
Glen Cove officials said the work will address maintenance and repair needs at the field. The state's announcement did not provide a construction schedule or a detailed breakdown of how the $1 million will be spent.
Grant follows statewide soccer investment
The Pascucci Field award follows the launch of NY Kicks, a $6 million state initiative tied to the World Cup. The program includes $5 million in capital grants to create, expand or improve community soccer fields in disadvantaged communities across New York.
Another $1 million will be administered by the state Office of Children and Family Services for programming and operating costs connected to NY Kicks projects. Eligible expenses can include uniforms, shin guards, soccer balls, training and coaches.
The program was proposed in Hochul's 2026 State of the State address and included in the fiscal 2027 state budget. It is being carried out through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
The Glen Cove grant is separate from the competitive NY Kicks awards, according to the governor's announcement, but officials described both investments as part of the same effort to preserve the World Cup's community impact.
Recreation programs carry additional funding
The state said it has committed more than $500 million through Hochul's Unplug and Play initiative, which combines several programs aimed at playgrounds, swimming facilities, community centers and outdoor activity.
That includes $87.5 million for New York Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization, known as NY PLAYS. The competitive program supports construction, expansion and renovation of public playgrounds designed for people of all abilities.
The state has also awarded nearly $260 million to 79 projects through New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming, or NY SWIMS. Another $100 million has gone to 30 community-center projects through Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors, known as NY BRICKS.
The Dormitory Authority is accepting applications for an additional $75 million NY BRICKS funding round through Dec. 7, 2026. Application materials are available through the authority's website.
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