Times Square Cup: Borussia Dortmund engages in social project in anticipation of the Club World Cup in the US

Lawrence founded the non-profit organisation in 2009 with the promise of fighting poverty and strengthening the community through soccer in more than a dozen US cities. Besides that, the entity also aims to provide life-changing experiences for these children and show that they can achieve higher goals.

"You play these games, and underneath the lights and the billboards, it creates a kind of elevated, special moment which they deserve and they remember for the rest of their lives. So what the Times Square Cup does is that engagement piece. It inspires them and makes them want to be part of it and feel special; that early positive experience in sports creates habits for a lifetime," said Lawrence about the social impact of the Times Square Cup.

Also, as part of the event, Dortmund not only provided the uniforms but also brought relevant characters for the BVB fanbase, such as the mascot Emma the Bee and the club legend and ambassador Patrick Owomoyela. As a kid who grew up with the sport, Owomoyela talked a little about how football changed his perspective of things and how having access to it is relevant.

"I think it is a good thing, but most importantly, it is to give kids a chance to love this game, to play this game, and make it easy for them to enjoy themselves"

- Patrick Owomoyela, BVB ambassador

"It's really important for me as when I was when I was young, football was everywhere. Of course, it was very accessible in Germany, but that's not the case here. Having this kind of event, giving kids access to sports, and making it available for them and easy to take part in is something they will take a lot from. It gives them not just joy but also the feeling of finding each other as they bond through this game," said Owomoyela.