U.S. SOCCER FOUNDATION
The SHAPE America Partner Program connects businesses and nonprofits with our nation’s health and physical educators. Participating partners support SHAPE America’s events, programs, and initiatives that advance effective health and physical education, while also offering products, services, and expertise to enhance your classroom. In this Premier Partner Spotlight, we highlight how the U.S. Soccer Foundation helps children in under-resourced communities reach their full potential, improve their wellbeing, and live healthier lives through soccer.
Q: For those that may not be familiar with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, please tell us a little about your organization.
A: At the US Soccer Foundation, our mission is to provide underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidenced-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential.
One of our flagship programs, Soccer for Success, harnesses the power of soccer to improve children’s physical and mental health and overall well-being in underserved communities. Through both in-school and after-school formats, trained coach-mentors teach educators and coaches the fundamentals of soccer and provide lessons, techniques, and strategies to get kids active all while instilling life skills like teamwork, self-esteem and responsible decision making
And the results have been a huge win We’re the go-to soccer training and resource provider for physical educators across the country Since Soccer for Success In-School started in 2020, we have trained more than 4,000 educators and reached more than 16 million students Our after-school program has reached more than 11 million children with 86% of youth showing positive behaviors like staying in school. Our programs offer great ways to get kids moving while also teaching lessons that last well beyond the whistle.
Q: What was U.S. Soccer Foundation’s original mission and what are your goals today?
A: For more than 30 years, we’ve used soccer to advance social impact across the US Established from the proceeds of the 1994 World Cup, our original mission was focused on growing the game. Since then, we’ve rewritten our playbook prioritizing dynamic play spaces and leveraging the power of soccer to support the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children in underserved communities.
Today, we have four proven programs that have resulted in a more positive future for kids, healthier and more cohesive communities, and more passion for our game We have more than 1,000,000 participants engaged in our youth-centered programs annually, trained more than 27,000 coach-mentors, have more than 1,000 community partners engaged, and created more than 800 mini-pitches open for play
For 2026, our team is all-in on three key goals that are sure to make a big play:
As a part of our Safe Places to Play initiative, we believe every child deserves a safe place to play in their neighborhood. We’re aiming to create 1,000 mini-pitches across the country by 2026. Learn more about mini-pitches, read our impact stories, and find one in your hometown.
Through our Coach-Mentor Training program, we have an ambitious goal of training 100,000 coach-mentors and educators to support and build the social-emotional skills of children living in underserved communities by 2030 Be a part of our Yes, Coach! campaign and join the movement that’s shaping the future of youth sports mentorship
Through programs like Just Ball League and Soccer for Success in School and Soccer for Success After-School, we collectively engage more than 1 million youth each year supporting their physical and mental health and overall well-being
Q: What are the top 3 trending issues about which health and PE teachers reach out to the U.S. Soccer Foundation?
A: Health and PE teachers often reach out to our organization for ways to make physical education more engaging, inclusive and relevant for today’s students The upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ being held in the United States offers a once-in-ageneration opportunity to do just that
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest and most inclusive sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format This global moment gives educators a unique and timely platform to spark excitement around physical activity, mental health and overall well-being. We know that health and PE teachers are uniquely positioned to reach nearly every student in their building, and they need three key plays to be successful:
1.Standards-aligned teaching resources;
2.High-quality professional development; and
3 Accessible equipment to teach core skills
The US Soccer Foundation is proud to deliver all three Through programs like Soccer for Success and Coach-Mentor Training, we offer plug and play tools to help educators build student confidence, physical and mental health and overall well-being
Whether you’re looking to introduce the fundamentals of soccer or lead an after-school or intramural program, we’re here to help you kick-off something meaningful
Q: How do you feel the U.S. Soccer Foundation programs and resources beneficially impact the HPE community?
A: At the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we see soccer as more than a game it's a tool for building healthy habits, inclusive communities and lifelong wellness. Our programs are designed to support the HPE community by making soccer accessible and impactful for every student.
Our Soccer for Success program is designed to meet educators where they are with turnkey resources to integrate soccer into your physical education program This fall, we will release five new Soccer for Success in School resources inspired by the momentum of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup:
1 Four new PE lessons for each grade including K2, 3-5, 6-8 and high school
2 Classroom lesson plans for global learning centered on the Men’s World Cup
3 A recess activity guide to help supervisors engage youth in soccer at recess
4.An after-school/intramural club soccer guide
5.A soccer field-day guide to support large-scale school events
Ready to bring the power of soccer to your inschool or after-school program? Sign up for training today.
Q: Please share with our readers why the U.S. Soccer Foundation will be supporting the 2026 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo.
The US Soccer Foundation is honored to support the 2026 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo because it aligns with what we believe in expanding access to physical activity, creating opportunities through sport, and empowering educators to drive change in their communities
This year’s convention isn’t just another stop on the calendar it’s being held in Kansas City, and that matters. As one of the official host cities for the FIFA World Cup 2026, Kansas City sits at the crossroads of momentum and mission. The energy, investment, and attention around soccer in this region make it the right place at the right time. It’s where the sport is more than a game it’s a platform for health, equity, and youth development.
Supporting #SHAPEKC allows the Foundation to engage directly with physical educators from across the country, equipping them with the training and curriculum to bring soccer-based youth development to life in their schools With the world’s biggest sporting event on the horizon, we have a unique opportunity to inspire lasting change in how young people move, play, and connect both in Kansas City and nationwide
This partnership is about more than presence—it’s about legacy. And it starts with health and physical educators.
WAYS TO CONNECT
@ussoccerfndn https://ussoccerfoundation.org/ (202) 872-9277
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