York College Students Attend France-Senegal World Cup Match at MetLife Stadium – York College / City University of New York
By Valcyera Assad
York College/CUNY soccer players attended a World Cup group-stage match between France and Senegal at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday (June 16), joining thousands of supporters as French tricolors and Senegalese flags filled the concourse outside the stadium.
The trip, sponsored by the Jamaica YMCA and Airbnb through a student ticket initiative, brought together 17 York College soccer players and students from several New York City schools, including Bishop Loughlin, New Dawn, Campus Magnet, ICHA, PHS and IS 217. Students gathered earlier in the day at the Jamaica YMCA before traveling to the stadium.Inside the stadium, York players split their support between France and Senegal. Some looked forward to watching France’s stars, including Kylian Mbappé, while others backed Senegal. Chants and cheers rose from sections throughout the stadium as supporters from different countries watched together.
York men’s soccer coach Brahim Chhab said the opportunity gave students a chance to experience one of the world’s largest sporting events firsthand.
“It’s an opportunity of a lifetime,” Chhab said. “Around the world, people know what the World Cup means. It’s the biggest sporting event in the world.” Olivia Prendergast, an Airbnb representative, said the company wanted to support communities hosting World Cup events and create opportunities for students to attend matches.
“We wanted to make sure the World Cup wasn’t just coming through these communities without supporting them,” Prendergast said. “The ticket giveaway gave students the opportunity to experience the excitement of the game for the first time.”
France defeated Senegal 3-1.
As France secured the victory, York players left with more than the final score. They departed with a firsthand look at the world’s game and an opportunity to represent One York on a stage far beyond campus.
Valcyera Assad is a senior student at York College majoring in Journalism.
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