YMCA of Greater Seattle Teams Up with U.S. Soccer Foundation

Last updated: February 26, 2024, at 5:23 p.m. PT

Originally published: April 26, 2023, at 11:19 a.m. PT

YMCA of Greater Seattle Teams Up with U.S. Soccer Foundation and 15 Other Ys to Positively Improve the Health and Well-Being of 1 Million Youth by 2026 

 

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Seattle, WA – YMCA of Greater Seattle announced today that it is teaming up with 15 other YMCAS across the USA and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to increase access to soccer in advance of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The goal of the joint campaign, The Road to 2026: Making an Impact in Local Communities, is to provide access to soccer and its health and wellness benefits to at least 1 million youth. 

The U.S. Soccer Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Seattle, alongside other participating Ys, will provide soccer programming for young people that helps develop physical, social, and emotional skills and expand safe places for them to play soccer across the country. The collaboration will include Ys offering the Foundation’s Soccer for Success after-school program and Just Ball League, where appropriate, as well as the installation of mini-pitches. The Foundation and Ys will also work together to train coaches in high-quality mentorship and youth development principles to foster positive, inclusive, and safe experiences for youth. 

“This joint campaign provides an opportunity to drive the change that really matters in communities—improved health and well-being of young people,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “While the world’s largest soccer event is coming back to the U.S., what is most important is that we can use that excitement and momentum around soccer to make a transformational impact on youth and communities that will last for generations to come.” 

“At the Y, we are committed to providing safe places for youth in our communities to play and develop healthy bodies, minds, and spirits,” said Loria Yeadon, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Seattle. “The thrill of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a perfect opportunity to get our youth moving and excited about soccer. The YMCA of Greater Seattle is teaming up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to realize our shared mission to improve health outcomes for all youth, especially those in underserved communities who need us most. Activating our collaboration on Healthy Kids Day, Saturday, April 29th, the Y’s annual national day of celebration, is the perfect opportunity to improve the health and well-being of youth and families.”     

In addition to YMCA of Greater Seattle, the 15 other participating Ys include: 

  • Greater Philadelphia YMCA 
  • Hockomock Area YMCA 
  • Greater Austin YMCA 
  • YMCA of Greater Boston 
  • YMCA of Greater Cincinnati 
  • YMCA of Greater Houston 
  • YMCA of Greater Kansas City 
  • YMCA of Greater New York 
  • YMCA of Metro Atlanta 
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas 
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles 
  • YMCA of the North 
  • YMCA of San Francisco 
  • YMCA of San Diego 
  • YMCA of Silicon Valley 

To launch the collaboration, and in honor of Healthy Kids Day, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the Ys are offering the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Coach-Mentor Training on April 28 and 30 to all branches in the collaboration and celebrating the opening of a mini-pitch at the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Auburn branch on April 29. Both the April 28 and April 30 training will be offered virtually so that other staff, volunteers, and members of partner Ys across the country can also take part. To register for the training, learn more. 

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation 

The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

About YMCA of Greater Seattle 
 
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Y provides crucial programs and services to more than 120,299 people every year in the Greater Seattle area. With the help of generous donors, we are able to provide more than 450 youth experiencing homelessness with safe, stable housing every night, over 400,000 meals served across King County annually, and more than $13 million in financial assistance to ensure everyone has a chance to succeed and belong at the Y. 

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Arnold, U.S. Soccer Foundation, jarnold@ussoccerfoundation.org 

Vannessa Blea, YMCA of Greater Seattle, pr@seattleymca.org