U.S. Soccer Launches Soccer Forward Foundation

ATLANTA (June 27, 2024) – As U.S. Soccer continues to drive the growth of the sport in the United States, the Federation unveiled today the Soccer Forward Foundation. This transformative organization, serving as U.S. Soccer’s legacy project for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, is dedicated to improving lives and strengthening communities through the most accessible sport in America.

Through the Soccer Forward Foundation, U.S. Soccer will harness the surging interest in the sport to create a positive impact in communities across the country. By uniting and engaging with national, regional and local stakeholders in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, the Federation will drive grassroots participation, inspire the next generation and provide resources to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity resulting in enabling greater access and entry points into the sport.

The launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation comes after hundreds of meetings and extensive engagement with stakeholders representing over a million active players. This collaborative effort provided valuable insights and data, ensuring the Foundation is built on a solid understanding of the needs and aspirations of soccer communities.

“U.S. Soccer recognizes the privilege and responsibility that accompanies hosting the world’s most epic tournaments. When kids see these games in their country, we want to ensure they know this game is accessible to them,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “This foundation will open new doors for countless individuals, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or circumstances, can experience the joy and benefits of soccer. We believe soccer should be available, safe and fun for everyone. Our aim is to break down barriers and foster a love for the game in every corner of the country. This will create a lasting impact for generations to come.”

“The launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation represents our unwavering commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities to ensure soccer is a welcoming and accessible sport for everyone in America,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “We believe Soccer Forward will inspire a new generation of players and fans, uniting communities across the country. We have an amazing opportunity to build a future where soccer helps kids learn vital skills and live healthier, more connected lives.”

Strategic partnerships for the Soccer Forward Foundation will be launched throughout the year. The Foundation has secured more than $10 million of seed funding directly from U.S. Soccer and through hosting large-scale soccer events leading up to the 2026 World Cup which will propel the initiative forward.

The Soccer Forward Foundation will create Soccer Forward communities across the country and unleash the passion to participate by:

• Creating a common advocacy platform for soccer: Bringing people together to align on shared goals and metrics. Working together to unlock unprecedented funding from governments and nonprofits.
• Conducting research and sharing knowledge: Providing resources and tools to support the growth of the game and packaging up scalable, digital solutions to ensure everyone, in the U.S. and beyond, can bring soccer to their community.
• Inspiring the next generation: Launching a national marketing campaign and taking advantage of major events hosted in the U.S. to ensure that anyone, anywhere can be connected to soccer in their community.

With soccer in America set for explosive growth in the coming years, the Soccer Forward Foundation will host its inaugural Soccer Forward Summit in Atlanta this fall, bringing together diverse stakeholders from across the soccer and non-profit landscape to discuss impactful strategies and ensure the Soccer Forward Foundation enhances the sport’s accessibility and improves people’s lives. By aligning on shared goals and metrics, while also prioritizing knowledge-sharing of research, resources and best practices, the Foundation can ensure it drives long-term impact across the soccer community.

The Soccer Forward Foundation will focus on creating more places to play and more opportunities to engage in soccer, ensuring that safe play spaces are accessible by walking, biking, or public transit. By developing lower-cost models, the Foundation aims to increase the number of free and very low-cost soccer programs available.

In the coming months, U.S. Soccer will share more updates and detailed plans about the Soccer Forward Foundation’s initiatives, partnerships and announcement of an executive director.

Quotes on Soccer Forward Foundation

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
“With two global events taking place in the United States in the next two years – the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and then as co-hosts with Canada and Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 26 – we have not only two tournaments that will help to unite the world through the soccer, but we have an amazing opportunity to reposition our sport in this part of the world.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that such global club and national team soccer tournaments also leave a legacy in the host countries of our events and the launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation will help ensure this happens. This important initiative will use soccer to teach life skills, offer more places and opportunities for girls and boys to play and enjoy our sport, and it will further support participation in soccer across the United States.”

Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President
“This is a very positive initiative from U.S. Soccer, and I applaud them for taking this step to provide more and better access to football for young people in their country. Any progress from one of our federations in making football more accessible sends a positive signal across all levels of the sport. I look forward to seeing the Soccer Forward foundation develop and work to support the growth of the beautiful game for years to come.”

Alejandro Domínguez, President of CONMEBOL
“We are thrilled to help support the Soccer Forward Foundation through this year’s Copa America tournament. We too would like to see the beautiful game spread to more kids in more places and Soccer Forward will help do that in the U.S.”

Jessica Berman, Commissioner of NWSL
“I am thrilled to see U.S. Soccer’s Soccer Forward Foundation taking bold steps to make soccer the most accessible sport in America. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission in the NWSL to empower and engage communities through soccer. On behalf of the NWSL, we look forward to working with Soccer Forward to provide opportunities for women and girls.”

Amanda Vandervort, President of USL Super League
“I am excited about the launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation and its mission to make soccer more accessible for everyone. This initiative is a vital step towards building a soccer nation that reflects the diversity and energy of our entire country. Providing more opportunities for young players, especially girls, to participate in soccer, aligns with the USL Super League’s mission to create more opportunities in women’s soccer than ever before. We look forward to working with U.S .Soccer to support the Soccer Forward initiative and contribute meaningfully to its success.”

Don Garber, Commissioner of MLS
“The Soccer Forward Foundation is an important step in ensuring that the 2026 FIFA World Cup leaves a legacy for everyone who loves the beautiful game across our country. Major League Soccer is proud to support this important initiative. We look forward to working together with members of the soccer community to harness the power of what is sure to be the most exciting time in the history of the sport to increase access to participation for all and broaden the overall engagement with a sport that can positively impact our society. “

Paul McDonough, President of the United Soccer League
“The Soccer Forward Foundation represents a positive development in our sport’s collective efforts to build a more inclusive and diverse soccer landscape. The United Soccer League is proud to support the initiative’s mission to create new opportunities for participants of all backgrounds and provide access to the game for often-overlooked communities. As the heartbeat of American soccer, the USL is dedicated to growing our soccer nation, and we wholeheartedly believe in the game’s power to unite people. We look forward to fostering a future where everyone can experience the joys and benefits of our incredible sport.”

Tony Sanneh, Former USMNT Defender and President and Founder of the Sanneh Foundation
“The Soccer Forward Foundation represents an amazing opportunity to create a more inclusive and accessible soccer environment in the United States. At the Sanneh Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of soccer in empowering youth and uniting communities. This initiative by U.S. Soccer aligns perfectly with our mission to improve lives through soccer, advance diversity and improve community well-being. I am excited to see the positive impact Soccer Forward will have on millions of players across the country.”

Dan Howald, AYSO’s Senior Director of Plan Implementation
“We are excited about what Soccer Forward will mean to the creation of enduring, accessible soccer programs in underserved communities. Having partnered with U.S. Soccer on a Community Clinics series this spring and collaborating with partners like Georgia Soccer to build programs for new communities, it is clear that Soccer Forward can deliver on the promise of bringing the game to thousands of kids nationwide. AYSO is proud and privileged to be part of this truly game-changing initiative.”

Jim Walker, Executive Director of Georgia State Soccer
“We are so excited about the future vision for Soccer Forward to improve access to soccer in currently underserved communities. We had the privilege of partnering with U.S. Soccer and AYSO on a SheBelieves Cup community clinics series in April, which is the exact type of model Soccer Forward could scale and bring to thousands of kids nationwide in short order.”

Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer
“US Youth Soccer is proud to support the Soccer Forward Foundation’s mission to make soccer the most accessible sport in America. By investing in our youth, we are not only shaping the future of soccer but also empowering young individuals with the skills, confidence, and joy that come from participating in sports. U.S. Soccer’s efforts will create lasting positive effects for generations to come.”

Mike Cullina, CEO and Executive Director of US Club Soccer
“The launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation is a monumental step for youth soccer in the United States. At US Club Soccer, we believe in creating an environment where young players can thrive, learn, and enjoy the game. U.S. Soccer’s legacy program will provide essential resources and opportunities, ensuring that soccer is accessible to all children, regardless of their background. By fostering grassroots participation and community engagement, we can inspire a new generation of players who will carry the love for soccer throughout their lives.”

Sean Boyle, U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, Men’s CP National Team Goalkeeper
“The launch of the Soccer Forward Foundation is another fantastic step towards increasing inclusivity in soccer. As someone who has experienced the transformative power of the sport, I am thrilled to see U.S. Soccer commit to making soccer accessible for all. This initiative will not only open doors for traditional players but also for those involved in disabled and adaptive versions of the game, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of soccer.”

Chris Ahrens, U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, Former Men’s CP National Team Defender
“The Soccer Forward Foundation represents a bold vision for the future of soccer in the U.S. By focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, this initiative will create more opportunities for all players, including those in disabled and adaptive soccer. As a former CP National Team player, I understand the importance of having access to the game we love. The Foundation’s work will help foster a more diverse and welcoming soccer community, benefiting everyone involved in the sport.”

Kyle Martino, Former USMNT Midfielder and CEO of The American Football Company
“Soccer is a powerful tool for community building, education, and personal development. The Soccer Forward Foundation embodies these values by creating accessible opportunities for all to play the game, regardless of background or ability. U.S. Soccer’s legacy program from the 2026 World Cup provides an incredible opportunity to forever transform the trajectory of the sport by not only driving more soccer participants, but also fostering a culture that instills a lifelong love for the sport at all ages. I’m proud to support a foundation that ensures everyone can experience the joy and benefits of soccer.”

Kate Ward, U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team Captain
“The Soccer Forward Foundation is an exciting initiative that continues U.S. Soccer’s work of making the game more accessible for all in our country. This sport has an incredible ability to change lives and impact communities, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Foundation is able to utilize the upcoming international events to drive positive social change through the sport we all love.”