Newark, NJ - The Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association (IHNA), a recipient of the NJ World Cup Community Initiative, partnered with The SPIN Foundation to license Sports Power Infrastructure (SPI) to demonstrate how a community sporting event can become a catalyst for long-term economic opportunity. Through Ivy Hill Soccer Fest and the Sports Power Infrastructure Combine, more than 125 New Jersey student-athletes in grades 3 through 12 participated in a first-of-its-kind experience connecting athletic performance with education, workforce development, and future careers in New Jersey.
Held at Ivy Hill Park in Newark, the event introduced young people to the idea that the same qualities developed through sports, including discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership, and determination, are also the qualities employers seek across critical infrastructure industries. Participants completed Sports Power Rating assessments measuring speed, strength, agility, and education and career readiness while exploring career opportunities in energy, construction, manufacturing, utilities, broadband, healthcare, transportation, maritime, tourism, and television and film.
The initiative also brought together community organizations, industry partners, coaches, mentors, employers, and workforce leaders committed to creating stronger pathways for Newark residents. Every participant received a scholarship to have their Sports Power Rating compete in the inaugural Sports Power Infrastructure League | New Jersey Top 100 All-State, launching this fall as part of a multi-state league. The program extends the impact of the combine through year-round competition, mentorship, workforce development, and career advancement.
Rather than ending when the final soccer match concluded, the partnership was designed to create measurable community impact long after the FIFA World Cup excitement ends. The event demonstrates how sports can become a platform for workforce development, entrepreneurship, supplier readiness, and community investment while helping connect local residents with industries expected to create thousands of career and business opportunities over the coming decade.
Next Step: The Sports Power Infrastructure Savings + Rewards Initiative
As part of the community impact strategy for this initiative, Sports Power Infrastructure (SPI) launched the Sports Power Infrastructure Savings + Rewards, inviting Newark residents to complete a one-minute Community and Business Stakeholder Survey. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Gift Card. Survey submissions will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, and the winner will be announced at 5:00 p.m. during the IHNA International Food and Music Festival as part of the Sports Power Infrastructure Pep Rally, which will recognize participating athletes, coaches, community partners, and organizations that helped make the initiative possible.
The survey connects residents with trusted public and private sector programs designed to help reduce household expenses, improve affordability, enhance quality of life, and expand education, workforce, and business opportunities. Based on individual needs, participants may receive information about energy savings, broadband and internet services, workforce training, employment opportunities, business financing, government contracting, healthcare benefits, home improvement incentives, electric vehicle programs, battery backup solutions, and sports and entertainment rewards.
Survey results will help guide future workforce initiatives, community partnerships, and neighborhood investments while serving as the foundation for a Community Impact Report to be released in late August. The report will document how the NJ World Cup Community Initiative generated measurable economic and community benefits for Newark residents while recognizing the public and private sector partners whose investments and collaboration helped make those outcomes possible.
Media Contact
Tenicka Chaney
Managing Director, Sports Power Infrastructure
Email: tchaney@localcontent.com
Phone: 631-992-1192
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