Youth soccer in the U.S. is undergoing a transformation—making the game accessible, inclusive, and affordable for every family. At the center of this shift is the Soccer Forward Foundation, a U.S. Soccer initiative committed to ensuring every child can enjoy the benefits of playing the world’s most popular sport.
What Is the Soccer Forward Foundation?
Launched in July 2024 as part of U.S. Soccer’s World Cup legacy plan, the Foundation is dedicated to fostering health, unity, and stronger communities through soccer. With investment, partnerships, and the mission “One game. One mission. One team, growing the game for good,” Soccer Forward drives systemic change in youth soccer access.
Why Now? Key Developments for Parents (as of September 2025)
Soccer Forward is gaining momentum at an unprecedented pace, making 2025 a pivotal year for youth soccer families across the U.S. The Foundation has launched a series of new grant cycles targeting both urban and rural communities, with a mission to address historical gaps in access and affordability. Multiple high-profile partnerships with school districts, local nonprofits, and recreational leagues have brought innovative programming to areas previously underrepresented in the soccer landscape.
Parents are seeing tangible benefits: lower registration fees, availability of free equipment, and the opening of safe, walkable play spaces in their own neighborhoods. Announcements for new mini-pitch projects, affordable club programs, and free clinics are happening regularly, giving families more opportunities and choices than ever before. Each initiative is focused not just on increasing participation, but on building stronger communities through inclusion, health, and lifelong learning.
Importantly, the Foundation’s approach is collaborative—actively listening to feedback from parents, coaches, and community leaders to evolve offerings in real time. By integrating diverse voices and adapting to local needs, Soccer Forward is creating an environment where families from every background feel welcome, connected, and empowered to create lasting change through the game of soccer.
What Makes Soccer Forward Different?
- Local, Walkable Play Spaces: No more relying on distant, expensive clubs—Soccer Forward invests in community mini-pitches, schoolyards, and fields so kids can play close to home.
- Affordable & Free Programs: Through grants and nonprofit partnerships, Soccer Forward provides subsidized league fees and open-access clinics, especially supporting underserved and rural areas.
- Soccer in Schools: The “Soccer in Schools” program delivers curriculum support, equipment, and educator training—making the game part of every child’s education at no extra cost.
Introducing the Soccer Forward Resource Hub for Parents
Launching Fall 2025, the Resource Hub will centralize support for parents, coaches, clubs, and leaders.
Features include:
- Real-world success stories and best practices
- Guides for launching local teams, applying for grants, and fundraising
- Search tools for finding clubs, fields, and free clinics
- Resources organized by People (coaches/volunteers), Programs (youth initiatives), and Places (facilities)
How Parents Can Use These Opportunities
- Use the Resource Hub for step-by-step guides to leagues, team-building, and community programs.
- Connect with local Soccer Forward-partnered groups and ask about sponsored teams or clinics.
- Register for webinars and download tools from Soccer Parent Resource Center and Project Play.
What’s Next?
Watch for new toolkits, public grants, and mini-field grand openings this year. More videos and guides will fill the Hub. Stay updated with U.S. Soccer and by visiting the Foundation and Hub links above.
Soccer Forward is more than a campaign—it’s a movement for long-term change in American youth soccer. Bookmark these resources, talk with your local team, and help make soccer truly accessible for every child.
