To: Facilities Committee, City College of New York

From: Leniel Mejia

Date: September 25, 2025

Subject: Proposal for an Indoor Soccer Court to Promote Recreational Diversity and Reduce Space Conflicts

Introduction

Currently, City College of New York has one option for indoor recreation: basketball courts. While basketball courts are not intended for soccer, they are also used informally for soccer. This use causes overcrowding, scheduling issues, and upset students who are unable to engage in their recreation of choice. Below is a proposal for the rationale of an indoor soccer space which diversifies recreation opportunities and eases basketball court overlap for the betterment of all students.

Background and Context

The student population at CCNY is ethnically and athletically diverse. Obviously soccer is the most popular sport in the world, and students from Latin America, African, European, and Asian descent find it relatable and compelling. Yet CCNY lacks an indoor soccer resource.

Soccer players are relegated to basketball courts, resulting in tension among the user group, and limited availability of court space to play. This butts up against the many students not engaged in basketball or soccer who see recreation as an avenue to relieve stress, build community, and pursue physical activity.

Issues in Indoor Recreations Without a Dedicated Facility

• Unsafe playing conditions, including hardwood floors, no goals, and no delineation of play boundaries
• Limited opportunities to play when cold or raining
• No inclusive space for non-basketball athletes
• Continual overlap in scheduling issues inhibit participation
• Current Recreation Issues on Campus

Without an indoor soccer facility:

• The basketball courts are overused, leading to accelerated wear
• Opportunities for regulated soccer games, and intra mural leagues will not happen
• The recreation resource will not meet a range of student interests
• The athletic resources are unfairly allocated to sports programs

Proposal

• I propose that CCNY look towards an indoor field or space to play soccer indoors and/or as an addition to a few other renovations. Next steps include:
• Survey students to determine interest and demand
• Evaluate area on campus
• Explore funding sources via student activity fees, grants, and/or sponsors
• Develop indoor facility with multi-use setup, for soccer, futsal, etc.
• Benefits and Outcomes
• The Research identified benefits include:
• Promoting recreational parity for CCNY’s ethnic student population
• Decreasing scheduling conflicts and vying for limited space
• Increasing participation by students in intra-murals and club soccer
• A clear statement by CCNY’s commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and student involvement/health.

Conclusion 

The support of an indoor soccer facility is a natural, student-led request that would make a great contribution to campus life at CCNY. With a space dedicated to the sport, the college could alleviate current pressure on basketball courts and create a safe, inclusive and accessible solution for many of its diverse students. I suggest that the Facilities Committee consider this addition in its long term plan for asset and facility enhancement relative to our athletic facilities. Increasing access to indoor recreation will more accurately mirror the diversity of our student body, create equality in sports and affirm the college’s belief in inclusivity. Also, a facility of this type would increase the availability for stress relief, physical health and social interaction while providing an atmosphere conducive to a campus emphasis on wellness, community and student involvement.