The Ivy Hill Neighborhood Association, representing approximately 26,000 – 30,000 residents in Newark’s Ivy Hill section, announced today that the Sports Power Infrastructure Combine will headline Ivy Hill Soccer Fest 2026 on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Ivy Hill Park in Newark, New Jersey. IHNA is an official awardee of the NJ World Cup Community Initiative.
The Combine will run from 10am to 2pm and will serve two youth divisions: Grades 5 – 8 and Grades 9 –12.
The initiative arrives at a critical moment for America’s youth workforce. More than eight million student‑athletes currently compete across the United States, yet fewer than one percent will ever play professionally. Meanwhile, the nation faces a growing labor shortage, with nearly 1.9 million infrastructure jobs projected to go unfilled over the next decade. Industries including construction, energy, transportation, logistics, hospitality, manufacturing, and technology are increasingly seeking athlete‑trained talent because of the discipline, teamwork, coachability, and resilience developed through sports.
The day will begin with a Sports and Infrastructure Pep Rally from 10 AM to 10:45 AM, featuring leaders in sports, workforce development, infrastructure, and community advancement. The event will spotlight emerging economic and career opportunities connected to New Jersey’s preparations for the NY/NJ World Cup.
“This event represents the best of Ivy Hill, a community built on opportunity and investment in our young people,” said Dwayne Wilkins. “As an NJ World Cup Community Initiative awardee, we are proud to bring world‑class programming directly into our neighborhood while connecting youth to real pathways for their future.”
Delivered by Sports Power Infrastructure licensee The SPIN Foundation, a 501(c)(3), the Combine blends Speed, Strength, and Agility testing with Education and Career Readiness assessments to generate each participant’s verified Sports Power Rating, a measurable profile designed to travel with athletes to coaches, schools, employers, and workforce partners.
The event is open to the public, and free online registration is required for attendees to be entered into raffles focused on pathways to careers, affordability resources, and community improvement opportunities such as home‑energy‑efficiency programs and construction‑safety training. Regional employers are encouraged to register and participate. Organizations are also accepting applications from New Jersey residents ages 16 and older for a paid stipend On‑the‑Job Coach Training program, preparing future candidates for employment opportunities in sports, youth development, and community infrastructure engagement initiatives.
Ivy Hill Soccer Fest 2026 Schedule
- May 23 — Ivy Hill Youth League Tournament | Ivy Hill Park | 9am – 4pm
- June 19 — Juneteenth x Soccer Watch Party | Ivy Hill Park | 12pm –8pm
- June 20 — Sports Power Infrastructure Combine | Ivy Hill Park Soccer Field | 10am –2pm
- June 20 — Festival and World Cup Watch Parties continue throughout the afternoon and evening
- July 9–12 — Ivy Hill Youth Soccer Team competing in Newark Soccer Tournament | Multiple Locations | TBD
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