Young girl in a blue U.S. Soccer Foundation t-shirt leans in to kick a black and white soccer ball, with a red background shape and blue lightning bolt to her left.Two boys in white U.S. Soccer Foundation jerseys in front of a yellow burst graphic. One stands behind with his right knee bent and hands resting on it; the other kneels in front with his left knee bent, hands on his knee, and a blue and black soccer ball by his right foot.

We Transform Children's Lives

Through soccer, we help children living in under-resourced communities reach their full potential, improve their well-being, and live healthier lives.

Two girls wearing U.S. Soccer Foundation jerseys. One faces forward, while the other stands back-to-back, turned slightly toward the camera in front of a blue flower graphic
Young boy with a missing front tooth in a blue U.S. Soccer Foundation jersey, holding a soccer ball in front of a yellow background with a red burst behind his left shoulder.

Coach Reyes’s Story

For Coach Reyes, soccer is more than a game—it’s a reflection of culture and a pathway to mentorship and community. From building confidence to creating belonging, this is what soccer does.

Learn About His Story
Coach Reyes

The Need

Children in under-resourced communities face significant barriers to reaching their full potential. One of the many barriers they face is missing out on the multitude of benefits that come from playing sports.

70%

of predominately Black & Hispanic communities

lack recreational facilities.

72%

of kids ages 6-17

do not get the recommended amount of physical activity.

1 in 5

kids

aren't at a healthy weight.

1 in 3

children

lack a mentor in their lives.

Impact & Benefits

Our programs help children improve their overall health and well-being.

  • 1 millionchildren engaged in our evidence-based programs annually
  • 800+mini-pitches opened to provide safe places to play
  • 98%say their community feels safer with a mini-pitch
  • 86%of kids show positive behaviors like staying in school

Donate

Donate to impact children's lives.

Get Involved

Take action to make a real difference in the lives of children in underserved communities.

Three smiling children wearing white U.S. Soccer Foundation t-shirts run in front of a colorful graphic background with bursts and shapes.

Our Goals

Soccer is more than a game. It offers mentorship, teamwork, and confidence-building opportunities that last a lifetime. With a caring coach-mentor and a safe place to play, soccer can play a crucial role in a child’s life. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase opportunities for children in under-resourced communities by 2026.

  • 1 millionchildren engaged annually
  • 1,000mini-pitches created
white adidas logo

More Than a Game

A place to be themselves. Role models. Free access to soccer. Just Ball League offers these things and more to youth living in underserved communities who otherwise might not have these opportunities.

Just Ball in Action

Program: Just Ball League

Bring our programs to your community

  • Safe Places to Play Logo
  • Soccer for Success Logo
  • Coach-Mentor Training Logo
  • Just Ball League Logo

Big Partners, Bigger Impact

Our work is made possible by a broad network of partners committed to social impact and underserved communities.

  • adidas logo
  • Ken Griffin Foundation logo
  • MLS logo
  • Musco Lighting logo

News

Legacy 2026

SXSW 2026: Celebrating Coach-Mentorship and the Legacy of the ’94 U.S. Men’s National Team

Mar 18 2026

We returned to SXSW this year alongside the directors of Summer of ’94, Stand Together, Imagine Entertainment, and soccer legends. Together, we highlighted the legacy of the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Team – the last time the Men’s World Cup came to the U.S. and the tournament that ultimately created the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Kids sand together at 2026 SXSW community event.

Transforming 10 Million Lives by 2030 Through Soccer Will

Jan 29 2026

Soccer Will uplifts 10 million youth by 2030 by activating safe places to play as community hubs, growing the number of trained coach-mentors, and equipping parents with tools to support growth through play.

Group of young players stand around U.S. Soccer Foundation logo on a mini-pitch

The Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Mini-Pitch is Officially Open for Play!

Feb 6 2026

On Thursday, we celebrated the opening of The Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini mini-pitch, created in partnership with the Zaffirini Family Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area.

Image of the ribbon cutting at the Dean Senator Judith Zaffirini Mini-Pitch