U.S. Soccer to Ensure the Country’s Most Accessible Sport is Available to Everyone, Everywhere Through 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup Legacy Project
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:
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.