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After New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill kicked off the World Cup by announcing hundreds of free tickets, some South Jersey kids were able to score big and attend a game.
When the free tickets were first introduced, it was noted that some tickets would go to New Jersey youth soccer players from “undeserved communities across the state.” Shortly after the announcement, Sherrill’s team reached out to several in South Jersey towns, including some in Atlantic City.
“When we got the call from the governor’s office, we went into panic mode,” Mike Griffin, the city’s director of recreation, said.
“We got eight tickets, so it was immediately like, ‘What are we going to do? Who are we going to decide to go?’ Everyone would be wanting this experience.”
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With help from the city’s board of education athletic director, six soccer-loving kids were selected to receive tickets. The other two tickets went to employees at the City of Atlantic City office who served as chaperones.
The mix of middle school and high school kids came from Atlantic City High School, Uptown School Complex, Richmond Avenue School and Sovereign Avenue School.
Those six students, along with more kids from Camden and Burlington, attended the Norway versus Senegal game June 22 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
“The World Cup game gave us positive experiences by bringing us excitement, teamwork and unforgettable moments that showed the power of sports to connect people,” 14-year-old Miguel Cortes-Mexica from Camden said.
Fellow Camden resident Chris Maldonado, 14, noted how special the game was.
“The game was an overall great experience,” Maldonado said. “The anticipation of the game and especially the game itself which is something I never thought I would be able to do. Being with the people I know and love made it better and definitely something to remember.”
Carl Cochran, Atlantic City’s recreation coordinator who attended the game as a chaperone, recalled how engaged all the kids were from the moment they entered the stadium.
“They went right into it like they were supposed to be there, participated in some of the activities and just had a fun experience overall,” Cochran said. “It was really a once in a lifetime experience, even for myself.”
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According to Griffin, not many people from South Jersey were able to attend World Cup games, making the opportunity to attend even more special.
“The fact that kids actually had the golden opportunity to witness that game live and in-person and go to a real-life World Cup game in 2026 is an invaluable memory,” Griffin said. “We just want to give a special shout out to Governor Sherrill and her office for recognizing us with those tickets.”
Added 12-year-old Xavier Muñoz from Burlington: “Thank you for giving us this opportunity to go to a World Cup game. It was a very fun experience, and I learned a lot from watching the game.
Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at [email protected]. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: South Jersey kids recount 'once in a lifetime' World Cup experience
Continue reading...
When the free tickets were first introduced, it was noted that some tickets would go to New Jersey youth soccer players from “undeserved communities across the state.” Shortly after the announcement, Sherrill’s team reached out to several in South Jersey towns, including some in Atlantic City.
“When we got the call from the governor’s office, we went into panic mode,” Mike Griffin, the city’s director of recreation, said.
“We got eight tickets, so it was immediately like, ‘What are we going to do? Who are we going to decide to go?’ Everyone would be wanting this experience.”
New to South Jersey: These 7 food, drink, treat establishments just opened in South Jersey
With help from the city’s board of education athletic director, six soccer-loving kids were selected to receive tickets. The other two tickets went to employees at the City of Atlantic City office who served as chaperones.
The mix of middle school and high school kids came from Atlantic City High School, Uptown School Complex, Richmond Avenue School and Sovereign Avenue School.
Those six students, along with more kids from Camden and Burlington, attended the Norway versus Senegal game June 22 at New York New Jersey Stadium.
“The World Cup game gave us positive experiences by bringing us excitement, teamwork and unforgettable moments that showed the power of sports to connect people,” 14-year-old Miguel Cortes-Mexica from Camden said.
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Fellow Camden resident Chris Maldonado, 14, noted how special the game was.
“The game was an overall great experience,” Maldonado said. “The anticipation of the game and especially the game itself which is something I never thought I would be able to do. Being with the people I know and love made it better and definitely something to remember.”
Carl Cochran, Atlantic City’s recreation coordinator who attended the game as a chaperone, recalled how engaged all the kids were from the moment they entered the stadium.
“They went right into it like they were supposed to be there, participated in some of the activities and just had a fun experience overall,” Cochran said. “It was really a once in a lifetime experience, even for myself.”
Upcoming events: Deptford church plans free health fair
According to Griffin, not many people from South Jersey were able to attend World Cup games, making the opportunity to attend even more special.
“The fact that kids actually had the golden opportunity to witness that game live and in-person and go to a real-life World Cup game in 2026 is an invaluable memory,” Griffin said. “We just want to give a special shout out to Governor Sherrill and her office for recognizing us with those tickets.”
Added 12-year-old Xavier Muñoz from Burlington: “Thank you for giving us this opportunity to go to a World Cup game. It was a very fun experience, and I learned a lot from watching the game.
Risha Inaganti writes about trending topics across South Jersey for the Courier-Post. If you have a story she should tell, email her at [email protected]. Subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: South Jersey kids recount 'once in a lifetime' World Cup experience
Continue reading...
