Dortmund turns New York's Times Square into a pitch – a day after Werder drama

While Borussia Dortmund was frustrated on Friday by Werder Bremen's late comeback in the Bundesliga Matchday 5 opening game, the team turned New York's Times Square into a colourful street‑soccer arena on the following Saturday and gave hundreds of youngsters a smile.

Charity Event in the City That Never Sleeps

Together with Street Soccer USA, a non‑profit organization that fights poverty through football, Dortmund turned the heart of New York City into a pitch on Saturday. As part of the 14th Year Times Square Cup, more than 300 youngsters from New York and New Jersey played four‑against‑four matches on two small fields, which were called the BVB Youth Cup.

The iconic area shone in black and yellow, the colours of the black‑yellows, and gave the young talents the chance to play on one of the world’s most famous stages. After a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s triumph march, the traditional preview of BVB home games, the Women’s Cup tournament and the SSUSA Open Cup followed.

BVB World Street Series – a Global Project

The Open Cup was led by former Dortmund and Germany international Patrick Owomoyela, who assembled a team together with athletes, artists and influencers from around the world. Afterwards, selected youth prospects showcased their skills in the One‑on‑One Top Baller competition.

The event is part of the BVB World Street Series, which was created within a five‑year partnership between Dortmund and Street Soccer USA. The series, which already took place in Los Angeles in April and in Tokyo in July, focuses on young people, local communities and the unifying power of football.

Under the motto “Built by every story” the initiative aims to give children access to sport and provide them with unforgettable experiences at world‑renowned locations. In doing so, Dortmund combines sporting action with social commitment – a strong counterpart to the frustrating match on Friday.