U. S. Soccer Foundation

What U. S. Soccer Foundation does

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 as the legacy entity of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, headquartered in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to transform the lives of children in under-resourced communities through soccer-based youth development, addressing documented gaps — 70% of predominantly Black and Hispanic communities lack recreational facilities, 72% of U.S. children ages 6-17 do not get recommended physical activity, and 1 in 3 children lack a mentor. The Foundation delivers four integrated programs: Soccer for Success (evidence-based after-school and in-school soccer programming), Safe Places to Play (mini-pitch infrastructure), Just Ball League (neighborhood pickup-style play), and Coach-Mentor Training. The core physical asset is the Mini-Pitch System, co-developed with Musco Lighting — small-sided hardcourt soccer surfaces with lighting, benches, ADA-compliant access, and lockable equipment storage — installed at schools, parks, and community centers; 850+ mini-pitches were installed nationwide by June 2026 with a target of 1,000 by year-end 2026, putting 6.5 million children within walking distance of one. Supporting digital platforms include YesCoach.com (free online coach-mentor training), the Soccer for Success in School curriculum (aligned with SHAPE America standards and distributed via OPEN and Discovery Education), Beyond the Goal (middle-school STEM learning with Discovery Education), and the newly launched ¡Sí, Coach! Spanish-language platform with Telemundo.

The Foundation operates an event- and partnership-driven go-to-market model with no commercial pricing: programs are delivered free to underserved communities, and 87% of programming is offered free or at reduced cost (80% entirely free). Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropic means — foundation grants (MetLife Foundation, Ken Griffin / Griffin Catalyst, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation), corporate sponsorships (adidas, Genesis, Premier League, Kinder/Ferrero, Comcast NBCUniversal, Bank of America, FOX Sports, BSN SPORTS, LALIGA, Macy's, Target, BeOne Medicines), and individual donations. Distribution runs through 1,000+ national and local partner organizations — schools, municipalities, child-serving nonprofits, MLS/NWSL players' associations, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs — with FIFA World Cup 2026 host-city activations (Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, NYC, Dallas, Cleveland, San Diego, Chula Vista) serving as geographic focal points. The Foundation's leadership team includes President & CEO Ed Foster-Simeon, the Foundation's first Chief External Relations Officer Diana Martin (appointed November 2024), and Vice President of Marketing & Communications Jennifer Arnold.

Name

U. S. Soccer Foundation

Legal name

United States Soccer Foundation Inc.

Website

https://ussoccerfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1994 that builds mini-pitches and delivers evidence-based soccer programs to children in under-resourced U.S. communities, supported by foundation grants and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Sports-Based Development Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports Fundraising & Development Services (Foundations, NIL Collectives Support) (MPAKAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Cause, Community & CSR-Linked Sports Partnerships (Foundations, Youth Programs) (MPAKALAJ)

Keywords

• Youth sports development
• Soccer programs
• Community mini-pitches
• Coach mentor training
• Nonprofit youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Foundation Grants and Donations: The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generating revenue through grants from foundations (MetLife Foundation, Ken Griffin Foundation/Griffin Catalyst, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation), corporate donations, and individual contributions to fund youth soccer development programs and mini-pitch construction.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The U.S. Soccer Foundation delivers sports-based youth development programs to children in under-resourced communities through four integrated programs: Soccer for Success (evidence-based after-school and in-school programming), Safe Places to Play (mini-pitch construction and infrastructure), Just Ball League (neighborhood pickup soccer leagues), and Coach-Mentor Training. All programs are offered free or at reduced cost to participants and are funded through foundation grants, corporate donations, and individual contributions. The Foundation also operates digital platforms including YesCoach.com for coach-mentor recruitment and training, the Soccer for Success in School K-12 curriculum, and the Beyond the Goal STEM learning partnership with Discovery Education.

Product overview

The U.S. Soccer Foundation operates a multi-program platform focused on sports-based youth development in under-resourced communities. The core offering consists of four integrated programs: Soccer for Success (evidence-based after-school/in-school soccer programming), Safe Places to Play (mini-pitch infrastructure initiative), Just Ball League (neighborhood pickup soccer), and Coach-Mentor Training. Supporting these core programs are technology platforms including Yes, Coach! (online training hub for coach-mentors), Soccer for Success in School Curriculum (K-12 educational content), and Beyond the Goal (Discovery Education partnership for STEM learning). The organization leverages partnerships with platforms like Discovery Education and OPEN to deliver digital educational resources alongside physical programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Soccer for Success: An evidence-based after-school program that uses soccer to improve children's physical and mental health and overall well-being in underserved communities.
• Safe Places to Play
• Just Ball League
• Coach-Mentor Training
• Yes, Coach!
• Soccer Will

Products and services

• Soccer for Success Evidence-based after-school and in-school soccer program that uses the sport to improve children's physical and mental health and overall well-being in underserved communities, featuring trained coach-mentors.
• Safe Places to Play Mini-pitch installation initiative that transforms under-resourced areas into state-of-the-art soccer play spaces featuring the proprietary Mini-Pitch System with lighting, benches, ADA access, and equipment storage.
• Just Ball League

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% say community is more active after mini-pitch installation
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Macy'scoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2026Macy's World Soccer HQ summer campaign includes partnership with Foundation, featuring donation and grassroots programming to expand youth soccer access in underserved NYC communities (88 mini-pitches, 571,000+ youth reached).
• Torchy's TacosminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 June 2026Summer kids meal campaign running June 11 - July 19 with proceeds benefiting Foundation's youth soccer programs in underserved communities. Features limited-edition collectible cups.
• Vita CococoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 June 2026Expanded partnership to build two new mini-pitches at schools in Dallas and Denver to provide safe play areas for youth in underserved communities, with community events featuring professional players.
• BSN SPORTScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Launched 2026 World's Game Resource Package, comprehensive curriculum combining soccer instruction, life skills, and cultural education for K-12 schools and community youth programs nationwide.
• Empire State DevelopmentminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 May 2026Partnership for free 2026 World Cup community viewing events at Stony Brook University and Kensico Dam Plaza, with Foundation as one of multiple regional partners.
• Bank of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2026Launched 'Soccer at Schools' initiative with U.S. Soccer and Soccer Forward Foundation to expand soccer access in schools across U.S. by 2030, starting with event in Altadena, California.
• The Salvation ArmyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 November 2025Partnership to help youth in underserved communities thrive through soccer and mentorship programs.
• Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright FuturesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 November 2025Partnership to teach oral health through soccer programming and community events.
• adidascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2025Partnership with BPC, BWPC, Musco Lighting to install mini-pitches in underserved communities. 28 mini-pitches built nationwide. Just Ball League co-development.
• Black Players for Change (BPC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2025170+ Black MLS players, coaches, staff working to install mini-pitches in underserved communities. 28 pitches built through partnership, reaching 280,000 youth.
• Black Women's Player Collective (BWPC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2025NWSL Black players creating opportunities for Black girls in sport. Partner in mini-pitch initiative targeting communities with limited play space access.
• Musco LightingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2025Co-developer of Mini-Pitch System with Foundation. Provides lighting, benches, ADA access, storage for mini-pitch installations nationwide (900+ total).
• SHAPE AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2025Partnership to advance health and physical education through soccer. SHAPE America receives access to Foundation's Soccer for Success in School curriculum and training. SHAPE America amplifies Yes, Coach! initiative.
• Discovery EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2025'Beyond the Goal' multi-year partnership to bring soccer-inspired learning into middle school classrooms nationwide with standards-aligned resources.
• LALIGA North AmericaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2025Partnership to support youth across the country through soccer development programs.
• Comcast NBCUniversal / TelemundocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 September 2025Telemundo as official Spanish-language partner with dedicated platform (Sí Coach). Comcast NBCUniversal Creative Impact Lab producing bilingual PSA. Launch of YesCoach.com platform.
• MENTORcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 September 2025Partnership to strengthen mentoring movement and build capacity for high-quality relationships. MENTOR amplifying Yes, Coach! to national network.
• Imagine EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 3 September 2025Documentary 'Summer of 94' helping inspire Americans about legendary coach, with connection to Yes, Coach! movement.
• FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host CommitteecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 August 2025Strategic alliance to positively impact 30,000+ youth by end of 2026, building on Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative and Griffin Catalyst partnership. Train 750 coaches as mentors.
• The Children's Trust (Miami)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 August 2025Co-founder of Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative to create 50 mini-pitches and scale proven programs. Support for Just Ball League expansion.
• Premier LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 July 2025Three-year partnership to deliver New Jersey Soccer Development Program, developing 500+ local soccer coaches and providing resources to 10,000+ youth players from underserved communities.
• Kinder / FerrerocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Three-year 'Goals of Joy' partnership to combat physical activity decline among U.S. youth, integrating Kinder Joy of Moving program with Foundation's Coach-Mentor Training and Soccer for Success.
• Philadelphia Soccer 2026coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2025$2 million investment to activate 26 soccer-related projects including mini-pitch construction and Foundation programming (Soccer for Success, Coach-Mentor Training) across Pennsylvania.
• Stand Together FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 March 2025Launched Yes, Coach! movement at SXSW to train 100,000 coach-mentors by 2030, positively impacting 3 million youth. $10M fundraising goal. Partnership with FIFA World Cup 26 Host Committees.
• Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 20252024 Kevin Payne Community Impact Award recipient. Built 40+ futsal courts with Foundation, planning 6 more in 2025.
• Brotherhood CrusademinorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 202515-year partnership reaching nearly 30,000 youth, activating multiple mini-pitches in South Los Angeles community.
• Child Rights and Sports AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 November 2024Alliance led by Aspen Institute's Project Play, Centre for Sport and Human Rights, National League of Cities, UNICEF USA, and Foundation to elevate child rights and center youth voices for World Cup 2026.
• FIFA World Cup 26 BostoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2024Agreement to build up to 20 new mini-pitches in New England region leading up to 2026 World Cup, with anonymous foundation matching funding.
• Alex Morgan FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2024Mini-pitch partnership at Mission Valley YMCA in San Diego to increase access for young girls and boys through soccer.
• MLS (Major League Soccer)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership supporting mini-pitch installations and youth programming. MLSPA partnership for mini-pitch construction with Foundation.

Scale indicators35 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National nonprofit operating youth development programming in underserved communities; direct recipient of USSF-adjacent corporate funding (e.g., FOX Sports $500K) and a natural partner/peer in the sports-based youth development space.
• YMCA of the USA: Community-based nonprofit delivering youth programming at the local level; the USSF has installed multiple mini-pitches at YMCA branches (Broadway YMCA, Mission Valley YMCA), making the Y a directly comparable peer in facility-based youth recreation.
• Aspen Institute Project Play: National initiative focused on youth sport access and equity; co-leads the Child Rights and Sports Alliance with USSF. Highly comparable mission (underserved youth sport access) but operates via advocacy and coalition rather than direct service.
• Laureus Sport for Good: Global foundation funding sport-for-development programs in underserved communities; closely comparable model (grantmaking + sport programming) and an international peer whose footprint complements USSF's domestic focus.
• Right To Play: International NGO using sport to educate and empower disadvantaged children; shares the sport-as-development thesis with USSF but operates primarily outside the U.S., making it a strong functional peer with regional differentiation.
• Soccer Without Borders: Nonprofit using soccer for refugee and immigrant youth integration; closely aligned with USSF's underserved-youth mission and programming model, though smaller in scale.
• America SCORES: National nonprofit combining soccer, poetry, and service-learning for urban youth; the closest direct functional peer to USSF's Soccer for Success after-school model with an integrated curriculum approach.
• Police Athletic League (PAL): Long-standing nonprofit providing athletic and educational programs to underserved urban youth; directly comparable mission and delivery model (community-based youth sport programming at no cost).
• National Urban League: Historic civil rights / community development nonprofit serving Black communities; comparable in scale and grantmaking-style operations aimed at underserved youth and community uplift, with soccer as one of multiple program verticals.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Soccer Federation: National governing body for soccer in the U.S. and partner on the Bank of America "Soccer at Schools" initiative; not a direct competitor but the broader incumbent whose ecosystem the Foundation operates within.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ussoccerfndn
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCvVJuc7hZM2p7zH3KaJzV0Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/ussoccerfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/u-s--soccer-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/ussoccerfoundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments3 records

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Frequently asked questions about U. S. Soccer Foundation