Business Details
32 Years
experience
Empowering Youth Through Soccer Programs
We are a national nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming children's lives through soccer. Founded on the belief that soccer can be a catalyst for positive change, we focus on providing opportunities for youth in under-resourced communities. Our evidence-based programs address critical issues like physical inactivity, lack of mentorship, and limited access to safe recreational spaces. Through initiatives like Soccer for Success, Safe Places to Play, and Just Ball League, we engage over 1 million children annually while creating 800+ mini-pitches nationwide. Our Coach-Mentor Training program equips adults with tools to foster resilience and leadership in young people.Backed by partnerships with organizations like Colgate and MetLife Foundation, we combine sports with social impact to improve health outcomes, educational attainment, and community safety. With a 30-year legacy stemming from the 1994 World Cup, we maintain rigorous program evaluation standards while prioritizing transparency in all operations. Our team of experienced professionals and athlete ambassadors works tirelessly to ensure soccer remains accessible to all children regardless of socioeconomic background.
Services
Soccer for Success
Safe Places to Play
Just Ball League
Coach-Mentor Training
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We deliver evidence-based soccer programs proven to improve youth health outcomes
- Our 800+ mini-pitches create safer community spaces nationwide
- Coach-Mentor Training develops positive role models for youth development
- 98% of communities report increased safety with our facilities
- We partner with Fortune 500 companies for maximum social impact
Services
Soccer for Success
Our evidence-based after-school program improves physical health and social-emotional development for children in underserved communities. Through structured soccer activities and mentorship, participants demonstrate improved school attendance and healthier behaviors. The program serves over 300,000 youth annually with measurable outcomes tracked through independent evaluations.
Safe Places to Play
We create accessible soccer spaces in areas lacking recreational facilities. Mini-pitch construction projects transform underutilized areas into safe community hubs that reduce crime and promote physical activity. Each facility includes community engagement components to ensure long-term maintenance and utilization by local residents.
Just Ball League
This community-based program provides free soccer access to youth who might otherwise lack opportunities. Emphasizing fun and inclusion, it builds confidence and teamwork through non-competitive play. The program specifically targets areas with limited sports infrastructure and socioeconomic barriers to participation.
Coach-Mentor Training
We equip adult volunteers with tools to become effective youth mentors through soccer. Training modules cover positive coaching techniques, child development principles, and trauma-informed practices. Certified mentors help participants build resilience while addressing social-emotional learning goals aligned with school curricula.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with corporations, schools, and nonprofits to expand program reach and sustainability. Partnerships provide funding, volunteer support, and in-kind resources that enhance program quality. Current collaborations with Fortune 500 companies focus on health education, STEM integration, and workforce development opportunities.
People
Ed Foster-Simeon
President & CEO
Leading the Foundation since 2020, Ed brings 25+ years of public health and nonprofit leadership experience. He previously served as CEO of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition and has worked with UNICEF and the CDC Foundation. A Harvard-trained physician, he focuses on using sports to address health disparities.
Sarah Pickens
Vice President, Programs
Overseeing program strategy and implementation, Sarah has 15 years of experience in youth development through sports. She previously managed international development programs for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Her expertise includes program evaluation and scaling evidence-based models across diverse communities.
Dr. Nelson Akwari
Board Member
Executive at The Boeing Company and Foundation board member, Dr. Akwari contributes corporate governance expertise. He leads Boeing's global health initiatives and advises on public-private partnerships. His focus areas include STEM education and workforce development through sports programs.
Jozy Altidore
Athlete Ambassador
Former U.S. Men's National Team captain and Premier League player, Jozy advocates for youth access to sports. He participates in community events and mentorship initiatives, sharing his experiences to inspire participants. His foundation supports educational programs for underserved youth.
Kristine Lilly
Athlete Ambassador
U.S. Women's National Team legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Kristine serves as a role model for youth. She participates in coaching clinics and advocacy efforts, emphasizing leadership development through soccer. Her involvement helps promote gender equity in sports programs.
Questions
What is the United States Soccer Foundation's primary mission?
We use soccer to help underserved youth develop physically, socially, and emotionally through accessible programs and safe play spaces.
How do your programs benefit children?
Our evidence-based initiatives improve health outcomes, provide mentorship, increase school attendance, and build life skills through structured soccer activities.
How can communities access your programs?
Organizations can apply through our website to implement Soccer for Success or Just Ball League in their area.
How are donations utilized?
Funds support program implementation, mini-pitch construction, coach training, and evaluation to ensure program effectiveness and accountability.
What partnerships do you maintain?
We collaborate with Fortune 500 companies, schools, and nonprofits to expand reach and integrate health, education, and workforce development components.
How do you measure program success?
Independent evaluations track outcomes like physical activity levels, social-emotional development, and community safety improvements across all initiatives.
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