Overview & Mission

Soccer for Success is the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s innovative youth development program that uses soccer as a tool to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles for children in low-income urban communities. The Foundation partners with community-based organizations across the country to operate Soccer for Success sites – providing thousands of children with free after-school programming three days a week.

Soccer for Success Sites

Chicago, IL - Illinois Youth Soccer Association
Houston, TX - Houston Parks & Recreation Department
Los Angeles, CA - Brotherhood Crusade
Newark, NJ - Claudio Reyna Foundation
Washington, DC - United Soccer Club (United for D.C.)

Core Components

Physical Activity: Children participate in 90 minute sessions at least three days a week to ensure they receive the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise.

Mentorship: Each site is staffed by caring coaches who serve as mentors that are invested in the successful development of each child. Mentors stress the importance of doing well in school and avoiding negative influences such as drugs, alcohol, and violence.

Nutrition: Soccer for Success staff deliver relevant educational activities where participants are taught the basics of nutrition, the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices, and the importance of maintaining healthy eating habits. 

Family Engagement: Soccer for Success strives to turn parents and family members into advocates who reinforce the program's teachings by applying them in their homes. Family members are provided with information on nutrition, health, and public services that will aide them in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.

Making a Difference

“At the beginning of the school year I realized that my students were writing graffiti and that they wanted to start a gang activity in our campus…. After Soccer for Success, I can honestly say that all the students involved in that "gang" activity were no longer involved. Instead, they belong to a new team called: Soccer for Success. They were meeting after school to play soccer and they voluntarily stayed for tutorials. Your passion to help children is visible. It is also extremely exciting to know that Soccer for Success is coming back to our school.” 

- Zandra T. Aguilar, Assistant Principal, Patrick Henry Middle School, Houston, TX , a Soccer for Success Site - Full Story