NEW YORK | New York City FC, the newest professional soccer team in New York City and the first Major League Soccer Club to play within the five boroughs, and Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus have announced a partnership to promote healthy lifestyles in the New York City area. As the official health partner of the Club, Empire will work with New York City FC to co-host community events with Club players and street team as well as enhance the fan experience at Yankee Stadium through branding and game-day activities.

New York City FC players will serve as healthy role models at Empire’s October community events. The events will be hosted at Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus Community Service Centers (CSC) around the city:

Friday, October 9: Roosevelt, Jackson Heights CSC (Grand Opening)

Tuesday, October 13: Southern Boulevard CSC, Bronx

Friday, October 23: Church Avenue CSC, Brooklyn

In the off-season, New York City FC and Empire will coordinate a holiday toy distribution event with a New York City FC executive and a youth soccer clinic for approximately 100 New York City kids.

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Empire,” said Tom Glick, President of New York City FC. “Our Club is a reflection of New York City’s diverse culture. We are committed to being a part of our communities within all five boroughs by promoting a healthy lifestyle. We are confident that our partnership with Empire will help us achieve this goal.”

“In their inaugural season, New York City FC have established a strong and dedicated fan base, many of whom are from the communities where we work and are the members we serve,” said Jack Stephenson, President of Empire BlueCross BlueShield HealthPlus. “Empire’s partnership with New York City FC is a very organic collaboration between two organizations focused on optimum health.”