WASHINGTON, DC (July 17, 2025) – With less than a year to go before the United States co-hosts the FIFA World Cup 26™, new YouGov research commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Stand Together Foundation reveals that Americans recognize the critical role youth sports coaches play in building stronger communities and mentoring the next generation. At a time when the country is searching for sources of unity and meaning, these findings offer more than affirmation—they signal a national opportunity to celebrate and invest in the people already inspiring a culture of contribution and making a difference in kids’ lives every day.
The findings based on responses from 1,500 U.S. adults include:
“Coaches are among the most influential people in a young person’s life,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This poll confirms what we see firsthand everyday: coaches are unsung heroes who build confidence, character, and community. As cities across the country prepare to welcome millions of fans for the biggest sporting event in the world, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to tap into the momentum and invest in the people in a position to shaping the next generation.”
Most notable is the broad consensus behind these views. Across all demographics – including gender, race, region, political affiliation, and education level – Americans agree on the transformative impact of coaches. In a highly polarized moment, this widely shared belief underscores the potential of people to come together in communities to make a meaningful difference in kids’ lives.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation and Stand Together Foundation are empowering people to realize that potential through Yes, Coach!™. The initiative aims to equip 100,000 new or existing coaches with the training and tools to become coach-mentors, people who invest in children’s development not just as players, but as people.
“As we get ready to welcome the world to our region for the FIFA World Cup 26, this research is a powerful reminder that the tournament’s impact goes far beyond what happens on the field,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee. “Coaches are often the first mentors’ young people have, shaping not just skills but confidence and character. In a city as dynamic and diverse as ours, we have a real opportunity to support those driving change at the local level and to help build a legacy that will last well beyond 2026.”
“As we prepare to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 26™, we have a unique opportunity to grow the game and create a lasting legacy – not just in Philadelphia, but across the United States,” said Meg Kane, CEO/Host City Executive of Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “That legacy is rooted in our ability to identify quality coaches, whose impact and influence are critical to developing the soccer stars of tomorrow. This research confirms what we’ve seen in our communities: coaches are the backbone of youth sports.”
“This data shows what many of us have long known – coaches can play an outsized role in empowering players to be successful both on and off the field,” said Derek Johnson, executive director of Stand Together Foundation and executive vice president of Stand Together. “It’s a reminder of the opportunity to use this moment in time—around the World Cup and our 250th anniversary—not just to celebrate, but to strengthen the bonds that unite us and create a lasting impact that connects people through purpose and action.”
From New York City to Philadelphia and Miami to Los Angeles, thousands of local leaders are already stepping up and using sports as a tool for mentorship, leadership, and social impact with the support of U.S. Soccer Foundation’s training resources and community-based programs. These coaches are building confidence, character, and connection. And the research findings underscore the value of continuing to invest in the everyday heroes shaping lives in pitches, fields, courts, and parks across the country.
YouGov interviewed 1,564 respondents online from June 11th to June 20th of 2025 on their proprietary respondent panel. These respondents were then matched down to sample of 1500 to produce the final dataset that is representative of all US adults. The full set of crosstabs is available here.
For more information about Yes, Coach!™ visit www.yescoach.com.
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About Stand Together Foundation
Stand Together Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through community-driven change. We are building a movement of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work with individuals closest to the problem, and unite with anyone to do right. Through innovations that inspire Americans to help each other, they are building stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and live lives of meaning. Learn more at StandTogetherFoundation.org.
About YouGov
YouGov is a global online research company, offering insight into what the world thinks. We speak daily to our panel of over 26 million members to understand their opinions and behaviors around the world. We have a strong reputation as a source of accurate data, and we’re trusted by the world’s biggest brands to get it right, making us the most quoted market research source in the world. YouGov grows daily, with over 40 million surveys every year and 20 years of history. We call it living data. For further information, visit yougov.com.
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. 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 LinkedIn and Instagram.
