Bank of America and U.S. Soccer launch Soccer at Schools programme targeting every US school by 2030

Bank of America and U.S. Soccer’s Soccer Forward Foundation have launched Soccer at Schools, a participation initiative designed to make football accessible to every school in the United States by 2030.  The programme is built around practical support for educators and local delivery partners, including advocacy tools, PE activities, training, partner-backed programming, equipment and a dedicated “Soccer at Schools Starter Kit”, according to the organisations.JT Batson, U.S. Soccer’s chief executive, said: “Soccer at Schools reflects the power of the soccer community in this country. With 120 member organisations across all 50 states, U.S. Soccer is uniquely positioned to connect schools, educators and community leaders with the resources they need to introduce the game to young people.”Batson added: “Through Soccer at Schools, we are using that national network to ensure the momentum of FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 translates into lasting opportunities for students and communities across the United States, not just during the tournament, but for generations to come.”The launch was positioned as a response to constraints in grassroots infrastructure and delivery capacity, with the partners citing research showing 67% of parks and recreation departments do not have enough fields, courts or facility space to meet demand, and 82% of community sports agencies reporting a shortage of volunteer coaches as a top challenge.Lex Chalat, executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation, said: “We want the next generation to feel like soccer is theirs from the very first time they touch a ball, which means building a comprehensive approach to ensuring accessible, enjoyable and meaningful experiences for young people to play across the country.”Chalat added: “Through Soccer at Schools, Bank of America and Soccer Forward are working to meet students where they are and make the game easier for educators and communities to bring to life.”Michele Barlow, Bank of America’s head of enterprise marketing, said: “Bank of America’s Sports with Us platform is designed to strengthen communities in part through foundational programmes that build stronger futures. Through our partnership with U.S. Soccer and Soccer Forward, we’re harnessing the transformative power of sport to cultivate well-being and empower the next generation.”Barlow told Axios the initiative was about “looking at the joy on kids’ faces” and working with partners who share a commitment to access and opportunity.The rollout began with an activation at Odyssey Charter in Altadena, California, including an equipment donation and a clinic with 500 students led by David Beckham, Bank of America’s global sports ambassador, and Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux.Leroux said: “For me, soccer isn’t just about scoring goals; it’s where I learned about grinding it out, working as a team and pushing through tough times. That’s why the Soccer at Schools initiative from Bank of America and U.S. Soccer is so powerful.”Beckham said: “Soccer has been the foundation of my life which started with incredible support at school and in my local community through well-trained coaches, volunteers, and access to facilities and equipment.”The partners said the school engagements will continue in Atlanta in March alongside the US men’s national team send-off matches, and then move on to additional communities including Charlotte and Chicago, with an online platform for schools, clubs and community organisations to engage with the initiative due to go live this summer.