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.

Dalila’s Story

During a challenging time, Dalila turned to her coach-mentor for support and found a safe place to play soccer and a way to improve her mental health. Now, she’s a first-generation college student with ambitions to get her PhD.

Learn About Her Story

A description of Dalila’s experience with soccer, her picture, and a link to her story on YouTube.

Program: Soccer for Success

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

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

Big Partners, Bigger Impact

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

Explore Our Partners

News

Mini-Pitches

New Study: 6.5 Million Youth Have Easy Access to Mini-Pitch

Jun 25 2025

What started as a single mini-pitch has grown into a nationwide movement transforming how communities play, connect, and thrive. A new study by NC State University finds that 6.5 million children now live within a half mile—roughly a 10-minute walk—of a mini-pitch.

Los Angeles

Girls Empowerment Day – Game On, Girls!

May 29 2025

The Foundation took part in the YMCA of Los Angeles’ Girls Empowerment Day, encouraging girls to play, connect, and grow with the power of soccer and community.