NYPD Soccer Team Honors 9/11 Legacy Through Unity and Sport

NYPD soccer team remains a powerful symbol of resilience, unity, and remembrance, carrying the memory of 9/11 onto the pitch and beyond. For members like Ron Mejia, who served as a first responder during the attacks on September 11, 2001, the tragedy is never far from mind. Yet, through soccer, the team has found a way to channel grief into camaraderie and positive action.

NYPD Soccer Team: A Tradition of Remembrance and Camaraderie

Each season, the NYPD soccer team pays tribute to the lives lost on 9/11 by honoring the courage and sacrifice of first responders. With two of their players, including Mejia, having witnessed the events of that day firsthand, remembrance is woven into the team’s DNA. “An incident like that will carry forever,” recalls Mejia. “You don’t want the guys to ever forget, or minimize the incident, because we lost a lot of people.”

Soccer is more than just a game for this squad—it’s a means of healing and maintaining bonds forged in adversity. The NYPD soccer team, founded in 1988 by Costa Rican detective Rudy Blake, has grown to embody the values of teamwork, discipline, and community spirit. Practices and matches are scheduled around the demanding shifts of police work, reflecting the members’ dedication not only to their profession, but also to one another.

Overcoming Adversity: Building a Stronger NYPD Soccer Team

The NYPD soccer team’s journey has not been without hardship. In 2002, tragedy struck again when a player died from cardiac arrest on the field. Many members were too heartbroken to continue, but Mejia stepped up as manager and began rebuilding. The team’s resilience paid off: as they started winning more games and growing their roster, they joined the prestigious Cosmopolitan Soccer League, home to some of the oldest semi-professional teams in the United States.

Financing the team has always been a challenge. NYPDFC operates solely on donations, merchandise sales, and out-of-pocket contributions. Costs for league fees, field rentals, gear, and travel quickly add up, especially for a squad that takes pride in never drawing funds from the police department itself. Despite these obstacles, the team boasts several former Division I college and ex-professional players, and has consistently achieved success in both local and international tournaments.

More Than Football: Outreach, Support, and Brotherhood

The NYPD soccer team’s mission extends beyond competition. The squad frequently participates in charity matches, notably against the New York Fire Department, and embarks on humanitarian trips, such as their journey to Peru to support children in need. These initiatives underscore the team’s commitment to service, both on and off the pitch.

For many members, the team serves as a crucial outlet from the daily pressures of police work. With over 100 players in their group chat, the NYPD soccer team is a welcoming space for those facing personal challenges—from family issues to the unique stresses of law enforcement. Mejia emphasizes the importance of mental health, highlighting the team’s role in providing camaraderie, exercise, and support.

NYPD Soccer Team’s Lasting Commitment to 9/11 Remembrance

Commemorating 9/11 remains central to the NYPD soccer team’s identity. Each year, the squad observes the anniversary with moments of silence, charity games, or gestures of remembrance, ensuring the legacy of sacrifice and heroism endures. As USMNT defender Tim Ream observed, learning about the NYPD soccer team’s bravery makes the responsibility of representing the United States even more meaningful.

For the members of the NYPD soccer team, soccer is not just recreation—it’s a way to honor the past while forging stronger bonds for the future. Their ongoing dedication to service, remembrance, and community exemplifies the best of both sport and public service.

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Opinion: Soccer as a Source of Healing and Unity

The NYPD soccer team’s story is a testament to the power of sport in uniting people during difficult times. Their continued remembrance of 9/11 and commitment to each other shows how athletics can provide both solace and strength. By fostering community and honoring their fallen colleagues, the NYPD soccer team proves that the beautiful game can be much more than what happens on the pitch.