Hundreds of Soccer, Entertainment, and Business Leaders Gather to Celebrate 30 Years of Impact and Launch Campaign to Reach 10M Youth through Soccer by 2030
Miami (February 2, 2026) – Nearly 500 supporters—including some of the biggest names in entertainment, business, and soccer—gathered at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach on Saturday evening to celebrate the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s 30 years of advancing the health and well-being of youth in under‑resourced communities.
The celebration highlighted the millions of young people reached through the Foundation’s evidence‑based school and after‑school programs, coach‑mentor training initiatives, and the installation of more than 850 mini‑pitches that have transformed neighborhoods into vibrant community hubs. The event also served as the official launch of the Foundation’s Soccer Will campaign, an ambitious effort to improve the lives of 10 million youth by 2030.
“Every young person deserves access to the game—and to the opportunities and connections it creates. For more than three decades, we’ve worked to break down barriers to play and ensure that youth, families, and coaches in under‑resourced communities have access to our sport and its many benefits,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “I’m incredibly humbled by the community that came together on Saturday to help make this impact possible. As we set our sights on reaching 10 million youth by 2030, I’m confident that this collective will help us get there. This work has never been more important as we strive to create a happier, healthier generation.”
The celebration honored Kenneth C. Griffin, the Foundation’s most impactful philanthropist, with the prestigious #10 Award. Griffin, the founder and CEO of Citadel and the founder of Griffin Catalyst, was recognized for his transformative support, which has created 100 mini‑pitches throughout Chicago and Miami—turning schoolyards and neighborhood spaces into joyful activity hubs for more than 100,000 kids and families who otherwise may not have access to the game and its benefits. U.S. Women’s National Team legend Carli Lloyd presented the award, and Griffin was honored with a surprise video tribute from Sir David Beckham.
In accepting the award, Griffin reflected on the transformative power of team sports and the critical role coaches play in children’s lives, noting, “Team sports teach young people in our country the life skills they need to succeed and prosper. It’s a gift everyone should have—and we want to bring the gift of soccer to as many children as possible.”
Coach Bora Milutinović received the Foundation’s inaugural Yes, Coach! Award for demonstrating the power of coach-mentorship, inspiring players, and unlocking potential beyond the game itself. An initiative of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Stand Together Foundation, Yes, Coach! celebrates the profound role coaches play in helping young people develop on and off the field. The movement aims to train 100,000 coach-mentors nationwide. Members of the 1994 U.S. Men’s National Team and Alan Rothenberg presented Coach Bora with the award.
Event sponsors included: Musco Lighting, adidas, Griffin Catalyst, Comcast NBC Universal and Telemundo Enterprises, Goldman Sachs, Leighton & Bea Welch, Major League Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League, Barclays, Baptist Health South Florida, Mark and Sarah Williamson, Stand Together, Sixth Street, The Children’s Trust, AHCV, AON, Britton Family Foundation, Lincoln Financial, Playfly, The Messina Group, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, SnapSports, LA LIGA, Health Foundation of South Florida, Paul Hastings, Wasserman Foundation, and the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Photos from the event can be downloaded here.
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 with 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.
