Shared Purpose

Shania Seepersad, USA

New York City FC and Goal Click are collaborating to create a storytelling series that highlights the authentic journeys of standout City In The Community (CITC) participants, reflecting their growth through the program, from youth involvement to leadership and employment. These stories will showcase the lasting influence of CITC and the meaningful role Capital Rx plays in setting the foundation for healthy living through their funding.

Through her journey from player to mentor with CITC, Shania Seepersad has used soccer as a platform to empower youth, give back to her community, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

My name is Shania Seepersad. I am 21 years old and study Education at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida. I am originally from Jamaica in Queens, New York, and when I am back home, I work for NYCFC as a City in the Community (CITC) coach.

CITC is NYCFC’s soccer initiative offering free programs for youth. I currently work with two: Saturday Night Lights (SNL) and the Community Cup.

SNL brings soccer into schools and neighborhoods, giving kids structured practices with drills and scrimmages to build skills year-round.

Each June, the Community Cup unites all five boroughs in a tournament. On Saturday, neighborhoods within a borough compete and the top two advance to Sunday to face winners from the other boroughs. Many SNL players go on to represent their neighborhoods in this citywide event.

Together, SNL and the Community Cup provide consistent training and a chance for young players to showcase their growth.

Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. I was inspired to play soccer by my dad, who grew up with a deep love for the game in Trinidad. As kids, my siblings and I would join him at the park, where our shared passion grew. By age seven, we were playing on a club team.

I played for Kickers Jr. Soccer Club in Queens from U9 - U19, mostly with the boys’ teams, and later on the girls’ U19 team. In high school, I was a four-year varsity starter, team captain for three years, and during my senior year, I was named Scholar Athlete, MVP, and Athlete of the Year.

The Importance Of Joy

I first got involved with NYCFC in high school through SNL. My club coaches partnered with NYCFC, and we practiced under the CITC program at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.

Playing with SNL was more than just fun. It gave me the chance to connect with new people, play alongside police officers in a positive way, and build lasting relationships with NYCFC staff. CITC helped me grow from a participant to a leader, then a coach, and now a professional.

Being part of SNL opened the door for me to coach in the Community Cup. During my first year, I assisted the South Jamaica team and soon after, I was asked to take the lead and became head coach for the past two years.

Thanks to mentors like Mauricio Maya, Bailee Eaglin, and especially my U19 coach, Kettley Germain, I got the opportunity to coach in the Community Cup.

Coaching in the Community Cup has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have watched players pour their hearts into every match, ride the highs and lows of competition, and express their unique style on the field. But nothing tops lifting the trophy this year and seeing players cry tears of joy. It reminded me that this is more than just a game.

This past season, I led my team to a Community Cup win, which became one of my proudest moments. Coach Kettley trusted me to lead, pushed me to network, and gave me the space to grow as a coach during my summers home from college.

Winning the Community Cup as head coach this year meant so much, especially representing South Jamaica. My players taught me the importance of joy, charisma, and confidence, and they reminded me that my words and actions carry weight as a leader.

I am also deeply grateful to my club coach, Lorne Bullen, who guided me from U9 through U19. He pushed me to step out of my comfort zone when I was scared to play in real matches, and he has always been there to celebrate my successes. The time we spent at club camps training, playing, and eating spaghetti and meatballs together created bonds that will last a lifetime. He is more than a coach to me. He is a father figure.

Faith And Passion

My biggest inspiration to coach came from seeing the lack of girls’ club teams in my neighborhood. I did not have the same opportunities to showcase my talent at recruitment tournaments, and I wanted to change that for the next generation.

Giving back to my community is important to me, and I want to share what I have learned about player development, college recruitment, and the pathway to the next level.

In player development, I have learned to adapt my coaching style to each neighborhood, since players bring different cultures and levels of exposure to the game. My background in education helps me meet players where they are, whether that means teaching the basics to beginners or challenging advanced players with higher-level drills and tactics.

I have also seen how critical it is to educate players and families about college recruitment early. Many talented athletes lack the resources to navigate timelines, showcases, and communication with coaches. Drawing on my own experience with the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program, which connects to the U.S. National Team, I share the skills and insights I once learned too late, like creating highlight videos, reaching out to college coaches, and mentally preparing for the next level.

The biggest lesson I have learned, though, is that success in soccer is not just about technical ability. It is also about access, mentorship, and support.

In a male-dominated field, I want to show young girls that they belong in coaching too. As a Muslim woman who wears the hijab, I know my journey represents more than just my own success. It shows other girls, especially those balancing faith and passion, that nothing can hold them back. One of my players recently started wearing the hijab, and I want her, and girls everywhere, to see that resilience and hard work open doors.

The Chance To Dream Bigger

Through CITC, I have learned that community means lifting each other up and building connections that last beyond the field. That is why support from NYCFC and partners like Capital RX matters so much. These projects bring opportunities to neighborhoods that are often overlooked.

As a former SNL participant, I know firsthand how coaching support opened doors for me to grow into a coach and leader. I have seen the same happen for kids who gain not just resources or a safe place to play, but also mentorship and belief in what is possible.

For me, giving back is only possible because others invested in this work. Their support creates pathways that extend into school, careers, and everyday life, and most importantly, it gives kids the chance to dream bigger, just like it did for me.

My message to young people starting their journey with CITC is to believe in yourself, even when no one else does. Carry yourself with dignity, stay consistent, and embrace hard work because not everyone is willing to do it. If you keep pushing, you will be amazed at how far you can go.