Key Takeaways
- The Salvation Army and U.S. Soccer Foundation launched a national partnership on Nov. 3, 2025, to expand soccer programming in underserved communities
- The collaboration will integrate U.S. Soccer Foundation resources into Salvation Army community centers, corps, and after-school programs across the country
- The Salvation Army operates more than 7,400 centers nationally and serves approximately 28 million people annually
- Evidence-based soccer programs will focus on teamwork, leadership, and respect alongside physical activity
- Partnership builds on the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s mission established as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup
Partnership Details and Scope
The Salvation Army and the U.S. Soccer Foundation formalized a national collaboration through a memorandum of understanding signed Nov. 3 at The Salvation Army’s National Headquarters in Alexandria, Va. The partnership aims to provide children in underserved communities with access to soccer programming paired with mentorship and youth development resources.
The collaboration connects two established networks: The Salvation Army’s 7,400-plus community centers nationwide and the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s evidence-based programming model. According to National Commander Commissioner Merle Heatwole, the partnership “will make a real difference in communities across the country” by providing programs that “empower children and families, strengthen communities, and bring hope to those who need it most.”
The U.S. Soccer Foundation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., positions itself as the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas. Founded following the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the organization provides communities with access to play spaces and soccer programs designed to foster well-being and youth development.
Program Integration and Implementation
The Salvation Army will incorporate U.S. Soccer Foundation resources into its existing infrastructure of community centers, corps locations, and after-school initiatives. The programming emphasizes structured activities that research shows can improve academic engagement, health outcomes, and resilience among youth in under-resourced communities.
“Soccer is more than a game — it’s a catalyst for connection, growth, and opportunity,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. He noted that the partnership will “expand access to proven programs, equip coaches and youth leaders with the tools they need to inspire, and create safe spaces to play.”
The collaboration aligns with The Salvation Army’s established programming portfolio, which includes after-school programs, summer camps, meal programs, and emotional and spiritual care. The organization’s operations span nearly every ZIP code in the United States, providing services to help people overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships.
Strategic Context
The partnership comes at a time when youth sports organizations are increasingly emphasizing the developmental benefits of athletic programming beyond physical fitness. The collaboration provides The Salvation Army with specialized soccer curriculum and coaching resources while giving the U.S. Soccer Foundation access to an extensive distribution network of community facilities.
Foster-Simeon described the current moment as “pivotal” for soccer in the United States, citing “unprecedented momentum and growing recognition of the sport’s power to uplift communities.” The partnership structure allows both organizations to advance their core missions while potentially reaching more youth participants than either could independently.
The memorandum of understanding provides a framework for integration but does not specify participation targets, funding commitments, or rollout timelines for specific markets. Both organizations are classified as 501(c)(3) nonprofits.
via: The Salvation Army
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
