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This month, the U.S. Soccer Federation kicked off the first national efforts of its Soccer Forward Foundation (Soccer Forward) with the release of a digital Resource Hub. The first featured Toolkit on the platform seeks to bring soccer into more schools and communities across America.
Launched in 2024 as the social impact arm of U.S. Soccer and its 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy initiative, Soccer Forward wants to make the game the most accessible and impactful sport in America. By expanding the sport’s access and supporting local programs, they want to ensure that the game’s benefits reach ‘everyone, everywhere, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the field.’
As the most popular sport in the world, soccer’s power as a ‘force for good’ is immense. The Foundation is therefore supporting communities across the U.S. to use it to promote physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen local connections and expand opportunities for participation. Efforts are also focused on advancing equity, particularly for girls and women at every level of the game, and building a sense of belonging that will inspire leadership, volunteerism and pride.
As part of this mission, Soccer Forward released the first phase of its free Resource Hub, a bank of tested approaches to foster connection, grow the sport nationally and accelerate its use to positively impact communities. Compiled and curated from expert organizations across the soccer and social impact ecosystem, it includes a wealth of practical tools, stories, trainings, case studies and evidence-based approaches. The Hub and resources are designed to be as inclusive and useful as possible, with tools that can be adapted and applied to local community contexts.
“When we at Soccer Forward partnered with communities, we got their feedback. We heard that we’re doing a great job, but we need resources. We need tools. We need to be empowered to do this better and do it more. And we need to be unified. Our narrative around why soccer and why soccer benefits communities sometimes gets lost in the noise. So, that’s what we’ve set out to do,” explained Lex Chalat, Soccer Forward Executive Director (and Beyond Sport Board Member) in a recent interview.
Also included in the Hub are in-depth toolkits developed with expert partners to provide support in areas important to the game. The first to be released was the “Soccer at Schools Starter Kit,” a ready-to-use program featuring different ways for educators, parents, administrators and communities leaders to engage students and expand children’s access to soccer.
“Whether it’s starting small with recess activities or building a lasting after-school program, you’ll find practical tools, case studies and resources to bring soccer to life in your school community. Together, we can create more opportunities for more children, in more places, to play,” wrote U.S. Soccer President, Cindy Parlow Cone, in the kit’s introduction.
Upcoming Toolkits will address storytelling, ‘More Places to Play’, community coaching and maximizing the opportunity provided by the World Cup being played in North America for the first time in more than 30 years. U.S. Soccer notes that hosting the 2026 World Cup is projected to drive a transformational spike in U.S. soccer fandom which is expected to surge to over 154 million people, representing a 48% increase compared to pre-tournament levels. Participation follows a similar trend, growing from a baseline of 20 million in recent years to an estimated 29 million in 2026 and 34 million in 2031.
Those interested in contributing to the Hub can submit resources here.
Source: U.S. Soccer Federation
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