Conor Campbell, a student at The College of New Jersey and Bonner Community Scholar, is working to make organized soccer more accessible for youth in Trenton. Campbell helped establish a new soccer league this past spring for students from the city’s six intermediate schools. The league was created in partnership with Academic Sports Academy, an afterschool program that provides tutoring, recreational sports, and enrichment activities for low-income students.
“‘Pay-to-play’ has made soccer inaccessible for many lower-income families,” Campbell said. “We’re trying to change that.”
Campbell secured support from several organizations to provide resources for the league. MLS GO, Major League Soccer’s recreational youth program, supplied uniforms, soccer balls, coaching assistance, and help with logistics. Adidas contributed cleats and shin guards. Arby’s provided food for the league’s kickoff event in April.
The games took place in June at Trenton Central High School. With New Jersey set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium next summer (https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/usa-metlife-stadium-new-jersey-fifa-world-cup-2026-final), Campbell hopes to secure tickets for Trenton youth players and their families so they can participate in World Cup festivities.
“My dream is to get tickets for the kids and their families, and for them to escort players onto the pitch during the national anthem,” said Campbell, who studies economics and is interning at ConnectOne Bank. “It would shine a light on a real issue: making sure soccer is accessible for everyone.”
Campbell’s efforts reflect FIFA’s #WeAre26 campaign focused on inclusivity and diversity ahead of the international tournament (https://www.fifa.com/about-fifa/organisation/media-releases/weare26-unveiled-as-official-campaign-of-the-fifa-world-cup-2026tm). His work also aligns with MLS GO’s goal of expanding community-based access to soccer (https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsgo/).
Last summer, Campbell received the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award at the ESPYs in recognition of his contributions through Academic Sports Academy. The academy was founded by former NBA player Greg Grant ’89, also an alumnus of The College of New Jersey. TCNJ Bonner Scholars help staff the program and keep costs down.
Some funds from Campbell’s ESPY award have already been directed back into Trenton’s youth soccer program; he hopes additional funding will support other extracurricular opportunities throughout Trenton.
“My goal is to create opportunities for these kids,” Campbell said. “You just need one person to say ‘yes’ to make a big difference.”
