A New Soccer Field Is Driving Change Thanks to … Genesis? Here’s How the Company Is Giving Back
When it comes to making a difference, Genesis is doing something truly special—and it’s way more than what you’d expect from a luxury car brand.
Through its Genesis Gives initiative, the brand invests in the future by helping kids learn, grow, and thrive through making education and sports more accessible.
I was invited to see it all in action firsthand at the ribbon cutting and grand opening of a brand-new mini-pitch, a small-scale soccer field ideal for urban areas, at the Broadway YMCA in Staten Island, NY, where local children got to enjoy a safe space for them to explore their potential as athletes.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. No AI was used. Additionally, I was a guest of Genesis for this story.
What is “Genesis Gives,” and How Does it Work?
Expanding on the brand’s commitment to the highest standards of performance and its “athletic elegance” design identity, Genesis Gives supports nonprofit organizations with the goal of improving access to, and performance in, youth sports and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education in under-resourced communities.
The program seeks to inspire and empower students to continue their STEAM education through donations, scholarships, and networking events.
The program has been in effect since 2022, and has raised and donated around $1.8 million to propel young athletes (and mathletes) closer to their dreams.
The Kids Were Stoked to Get Kickin’
Genesis Gives, alongside the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the MLS Players Association, built a mini-pitch in Staten Island, NY at the Broadway YMCA to give an otherwise underserved community a chance for kids to realize their potential.
The grand opening featured children and coaches in a ceremonial first kick, followed by an inaugural “just-for-fun” scrimmage on the mini-pitch. The kids couldn’t wait to break in the new facility.
It was truly heartwarming to see the older kids helping the little ones keep up and learn, all while parents and coaches cheered them on.
This mini-pitch is part of U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Safe Places to Play program, which aims to create 1,000 mini-pitches across the country by 2026. To date, U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed more than 750 mini-pitches nationwide.
Program Leaders See Great Potential for Young Players
As I enjoyed the event, I realized this mini-pitch isn’t just a soccer field. True, it’s a beautifully designed hard-court surface suited for soccer programs, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a place where young athletes can connect with friends and learn valuable lessons that will benefit them both on and off the court.
“At Genesis, we strive to create opportunities for excellence that extend beyond our brand and into the community,” Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Genesis Motor North America said during the ceremony.
“We are excited to continue supporting youth development through projects like this mini-pitch, which will provide a safe environment for children to play soccer together and reach their full potential.”
Sports Drives Learning and Healthy Communities
Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation said participation in sports not only promotes physical and mental well-being, but also provides a space for developing critical life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and teamwork.
“Sports is an alternative learning platform. We think of sports as just fun and games, but it’s actually a platform where kids learn leadership, teamwork, perseverance, accountability, how to play within the rules, how to be aggressive within boundaries, all of those things that are basic skillsets that everyone needs when they go into the workforce,” he said.
The FIFA World Cup Will Likely Inspire Youth
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States (New York) for the first time in over 30 years. According to Foster-Simeon, there will be a lot of energy leading up to the World Cup, and it’s a critical time to leverage that energy so that youth and communities benefit from hosting the games with programs, resources, and more safe places to play.
“Unfortunately across the country, so many public schools’ sports programs have been cut. So it’s up to organizations like [Genesis Gives, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and the MLS Players Association] to make sure that children have access to sports programs,” Foster-Simeon said.
Sharon Greenberger, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, agreed — saying local children deserved a place to blow off some steam, work as a team, and grow as players in peace.
“Soccer is a powerful platform that brings families and communities together across languages, generations, and cultures,” she said. “The YMCA is proud to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to make soccer more accessible to New Yorkers in advance of the 2026 World Cup, and this mini-pitch is an important step forward in those efforts.”
Genesis Gives’ Generosity Should Inspire Others
I can’t help but feel inspired by what Genesis is doing. They’re showing us that luxury isn’t just about beautiful cars or a great driving experience; it’s about lifting up communities and creating lasting change. Seeing brands use their resources to make an impact inspires us to feel a part of their universe rather than simply a buyer of their product.
But watching those kids light up? This is what real impact looks like. Working together toward a brighter future in communities across the country..
Categorized:Car Culture
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