New Partnership Between Community-Police Relations Foundation and Westchester Soccer Club Aims to Enhance Community Engagement

New Partnership for Community Engagement

The Community-Police Relations Foundation (CPR Foundation) and the Westchester Soccer Club (WSC) have announced a partnership focused on creating stronger community relations through sports. This collaboration aims to bring law enforcement and local residents closer together, promoting understanding and trust.

The CPR Foundation, a nonprofit designed to foster better interactions between police and the communities, will be the Presenting Sponsor for the WSC's home opener on March 7, 2026. This exciting event will welcome over 500 underserved youth and residents from Mount Vernon, NY, allowing them to enjoy a professional soccer match free of charge alongside local police officers. The objective is not only to provide entertainment, but also to foster a sense of community and collaboration.

Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard expressed enthusiasm about the soccer club's impact on the community, highlighting how it creates opportunities for families and local businesses alike. The Mayor expressed gratitude for the CPR Foundation's initiative, noting that the event exemplifies what true community partnership looks like. She emphasized the significance of sharing experiences between residents and police, particularly in a relaxed setting such as a soccer game.

Marcel Jay Olifiers, Acting Police Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Police Department, echoed the Mayor's sentiments. He described the event as a rare opportunity for officers and community members to engage positively, outside the context of their everyday responsibilities. This initiative is seen as vital for community-building, enabling meaningful exchanges and connections.

Glenn Hechler, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the CPR Foundation and a new owner of the Westchester Soccer Club, stressed the partnership’s essence in breaking down barriers. He noted that utilizing sports can serve as a powerful method to forge trust and dialogue between police forces and the public. Hechler highlighted the opportunities it provides for youth, many of whom may not have access to such experiences otherwise, linking it back to the mission of the CPR Foundation.

The combined efforts of the CPR Foundation and Westchester Soccer Club are aimed at expanding outreach initiatives, such as youth engagement programs and positive law enforcement interactions. This partnership reflects a broader strategy of merging community-focused values with the operational functionality of a sports organization. With Hechler’s addition to the ownership group, the team’s vision aligns more closely with local needs and aspirations.

The CPR Foundation, established by Al Eskanazy, dedicates itself to improving relations between law enforcement and communities through various initiatives—dining programs, youth empowerment through sports, mental health support for officers, and raising awareness on social issues like human trafficking. These efforts are designed to create safer, more cohesive neighborhoods by reshaping perceptions and encouraging dialogue.

Westchester SC, a professional soccer club in USL League One, plays its home games at Memorial Field and aims to create a community-centric soccer culture that fosters engagement both on and off the field. The club represents an innovative approach to professional sports by nurturing local connections and opportunities for collective experiences.

In conclusion, as the Westchester Soccer Club prepares for its inaugural home game with the CPR Foundation’s support, it is evident that this partnership reflects a commitment to unifying community and law enforcement through the shared love of soccer. By prioritizing engagement and interaction through such events, both organizations hope to lay the groundwork for a more trusting and supportive environment in Mount Vernon. Through this collaboration, there is anticipation for future initiatives that will further bridge any divides and enhance community spirit.