Hyundai Taps NY Soccer Youth for World Cup Experience

The program brings together Hyundai, the nonprofit NYFEST, and the Metropolitan Oval Academy to provide a unique developmental experience for players aged 12 to 16. The selected group will tour the FIFA Museum—featuring the World Cup Trophy—and attend a live match at the NYNJ Stadium. This effort aims to expose young players to the history and intensity of the sport at its highest level, reinforcing the role of athletics in fostering confidence and future opportunity.

"We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities that inspire the next generation," said Sungwon Jee, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor. For the Metropolitan Oval Academy, the partnership serves as a high-profile extension of its mission to develop talent on and off the field. Sporting Director Jeffrey Saunders noted that the program aligns with the academy’s goal to provide elite pathways for youth in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island.

Beyond the match-day experience, the collaboration highlights Hyundai’s long-standing connection to the sport, which spans over 27 years. The "Next Starts Now" campaign serves as a broader platform for the company to connect its "Progress for Humanity" vision with the aspirations of young athletes, using the World Cup as a backdrop to showcase how dedication and innovation shape the future of the game.