Every weekend, Flushing Meadows Park turns into a hub of soccer, laughter, and community. The park comes alive as working-class immigrants gather to play and compete. On the field, the intensity is undeniable. Off the field, joy spreads among players and spectators. For many, soccer isn’t just a sport—it is a life and a way that immigrants can come together, celebrate, and temporarily shed the weight of their struggles. They can reunite with friends and family, and hold onto the cultures they left behind.
Beyond the game, the sidelines tell their own story. Families and friends line the fields, cheering, laughing, and sharing meals that remind them of home. Smoke rises from barbecue grills, music drifts through the air, and conversations unfold in a mix of languages. The park is more than a playing field—it’s a space of belonging, a home away from home where people come together not just for soccer, but for community.
The project “Sunday Leagues: The Meadow in Motion” captures the movement, emotion, and collective spirit of these gatherings. This project documents the power of the game to bring people together, offering glimpses into the lives of those who find joy, identity, and connection through soccer in the heart of Queens.
Artist Bios
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Pratya Jankong
Pratya Jankong is a self-taught photographer from Thailand, now based in New York. With a passion for visual storytelling, he works on both commercial and personal projects, using photography to explore themes of immigration, community, culture, and human connection. As an immigrant himself, he is drawn to stories of resilience and belonging, capturing moments that reflect the shared experiences of people from diverse backgrounds. He has a deep appreciation for the diversity of people and cultures, finding inspiration in the traditions, expressions, and everyday lives of individuals around the world. Through his work, he aims to celebrate humanity in all its forms.
Organizations
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Photoville
Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.
In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.
By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.
Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.
For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com
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NYC Parks
NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land — 14 percent of New York City — including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 600,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City’s principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.
Sunday Leagues: The Meadow in Motion
Featuring: Pratya Jankong
Locations
View Location Details Travers Park76-9 34th Ave, off 77th St
Number 84 on the official photoville map Click to download this year's map- Monday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Tuesday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Wednesday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Thursday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Friday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Saturday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Sunday 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
I would like to credit “Margarida Guilarte,” who organizes Liga Idolos de America, one of the oldest soccer tournaments at Corona Park, and all the soccer players, coaches, vendors who always welcome me to be a part of the community.
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibit are those of the exhibition artists and partners and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Photoville or any other participants and partners of the Photoville Festival.
