U.S. Soccer, Soccer Forward Foundation and Bank of America Launch ‘Soccer at Schools’

U.S. Soccer, through the Soccer Forward Foundation, and Bank of America recently announced the launch of Soccer at Schools, an initiative designed to make soccer accessible to every school across the country by 2030.

Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™, Soccer at Schools aims to expand access to the sport by equipping educators, State Soccer Associations, community organizations, parents and more with resources that empower the entire soccer ecosystem with resources such as advocacy tools, PE activities, training, partner-supported programming, equipment and the Soccer at Schools Starter Kit.

Recognizing soccer as one of the fastest-growing youth sports and an unprecedented opportunity for the sport over the next five years, Soccer at Schools addresses a number of critical equity gaps by:

• Increasing access to places to play: 67% of parks and recreation departments report they don’t have enough sports fields, courts or facility space to meet demand.
• Helping recruit and train volunteers: 82% of community sports agencies report a shortage of volunteer coaches as a top challenge in delivering youth sports programs.
• Promoting physical wellness: Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. school-aged children are obese and roughly 71% fail to meet recommended physical activity levels.

Soccer at Schools aligns with Bank of America’s Sports with Us platform, which is built on a philosophy and investment to inspire, connect and impact communities through sports.

By leveraging the entire soccer ecosystem and working at scale with community organizations and school districts, the initiative creates vital opportunities to:

• Increase students' physical activity, movement, social connection and confidence-building.
• Spark interest among students who may later participate in after-school programs, local leagues and community clubs.
• Build a broader pipeline of players, coaches, volunteers and fans to sustain the growth of soccer in the United States by creating early touchpoints.

“Bank of America’s Sports with Us platform is designed to strengthen communities in part through foundational programs that build stronger futures,” said Michele Barlow, Head of Enterprise Marketing, Bank of America. “Through our partnership with U.S. Soccer and Soccer Forward, we’re harnessing the transformative power of sport to cultivate well-being and empower the next generation.”

To celebrate the launch and showcase how Soccer at Schools comes to life locally, Bank of America and Soccer Forward Foundation will host a series of engagements at schools across the country featuring special guests, equipment donations and soccer clinics. The first activation took place at Odyssey Charter in Altadena, Calif., a community devastated by last year’s Los Angeles wildfires, and featured appearances from Sir David Beckham – Bank of America’s global sports ambassador – and Angel City FC’s Sydney Leroux. The series will continue in Atlanta in March alongside the U.S. Men’s National Team sendoff matches, and continue on to additional communities in Charlotte and Chicago. The official platform where community organizations, soccer clubs and schools can engage directly with the initiative to receive support will go live this summer.

Soccer at Schools represents one of the most significant youth access investments connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy and is a key pillar of U.S. Soccer’s efforts to make soccer the #1 sport played in every community. Through equipping and supporting people, places and programs across the country, Soccer Forward is increasing participation, enabling stronger community connections and improving youth health and expanded access to safe places to play.

The initiative also reflects U.S. Soccer’s role as a national convener capable of connecting educators, community organizations and soccer leaders across the country. By working with schools and local partners, Soccer at Schools helps ensure the momentum surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2026™ translates into lasting participation and opportunity for communities nationwide.

To learn more about ‘Soccer at Schools,’ visit the Soccer at Schools page. For additional information on Bank of America’s commitment to sports, visit the Sports with Us page.