LEAD Students Experience the Power of Football at the Queens Classic
This July, five LEAD MFA students who study in the U.S. had an exciting opportunity to attend a Gotham FC game in New York City. Held at Citi Field, the game, coined “the Queens Classic,” drew 42,000 fans, making it the largest women’s sporting event ever held in New York City.
The students spent the day at Footy Fest, Gotham FC’s pregame fan festival featuring a FIFA World Cup semifinal watch party, live entertainment, and fan activities before attending the match between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit. While the match was certainly memorable, the most meaningful moments happened long before kickoff.
Sharing LEAD’s Story at Footy Fest
Throughout the afternoon, LEAD students and staff represented LEAD at Footy Fest, welcoming fans to their table, playing soccer with children and families, and sharing their own stories with people eager to learn more about the organization. It was an opportunity to show firsthand how education, football, and leadership can transform a young person’s life.
Josiah (right) standing next to LEAD MFA CEO Gerald Hodges (left) as they prepare to welcome fans at Footy Fest.
Students posing with Gotham FC fan who stopped by our table to learn more about the power of sport.
For Galima, who graduated from Westminster School this spring and will attend Loyola Marymount University this fall, sharing his story was a chance to reflect on his own journey. “Being able to tell LEAD's story made me appreciate the opportunities it gave me and the person I've become,” he shared.
Dennis, who also recently graduated from Westminster and will begin his studies at Oberlin College this fall, found purpose in connecting his own experience to LEAD's mission. “Talking to people about LEAD meant a lot because a few years ago, I was in the same position as many of the children we're trying to reach,” he said.
Between conversations, the students kept one eye on the giant screens around Footy Fest as Gotham FC hosted a FIFA World Cup semifinal watch party. After spending most of the afternoon engaging with visitors, they joined hundreds of fans during the closing minutes of the England vs Argentina semifinal match to watch the dramatic finish together.
Connecting with the LEAD Community
The evening also gave students the opportunity to connect with members of the LEAD community who joined them for the Queens Classic, including LEAD Founder Will Smith, LEAD Edu board member Graham Albert, and LEAD Morocco board member Mehdi Ballouchy. Together, they shared stories, talked about school and future goals, and connected with some of the supporters whose generosity helps make opportunities like theirs possible.
For Blessing, a rising junior at Connecticut College, those conversations were one of the most meaningful parts of the day. “Meeting the people who support LEAD and hearing about their own journeys made me appreciate the impact they're having on our lives,” she shared.
LEAD students, staff, and board members celebrating Gotham FC’s win against Washington Spirit outside Citi Field.
A Historic Night at Citi Field
The day concluded inside a packed Citi Field, where the students watched Gotham FC take on the Washington Spirit in front of a record-breaking crowd. Surrounded by more than 42,000 fans, they experienced a historic moment for women's football and witnessed firsthand the excitement and energy that continues to grow around the game.
By the end of the day, our students had done much more than attend a football match.
They had introduced hundreds of people to LEAD, shared stories of resilience and opportunity, strengthened relationships with supporters, and represented every student across our network who is working toward a brighter future.
The Queens Classic was a celebration of football, but it also reflected what makes the sport so powerful. Football creates connections, opens doors, and gives young people the confidence to lead.
That is exactly what our students did in New York.
