Building Healthier Futures with MetLife Foundation

We’re teaming up with MetLife Foundation to help improve the well-being of 220,000 kids, their families, and communities through soccer. A $1.7 million grant from MetLife Foundation will support the expansion of our programs, creating access to mentorship and more opportunities to get involved and be a part of the excitement around the sport.

This partnership will create brighter, healthier futures starting ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™ by supporting programs to train teachers and coaches to serve as mentors, equipping them with the tools to improve mental and physical well-being for youth through soccer. In the New York and New Jersey area alone, 850 coaches will take part in this training as part of our Soccer for Success program and Yes, Coach!™ movement.

It will also bring new safe spaces to play to six communities across the country, where MetLife Foundation employee volunteers will play a hands-on role, supporting events and activities that help youth and families build stronger, more connected communities.

“We’ve seen how powerful sports can be, not just for kids, but for families and entire communities,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation and Head of Corporate Giving and Employee Volunteerism at MetLife. “Together with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we’re creating more opportunities to play and helping young people and their communities build stronger futures.”

With each new mini-pitch and every trained coach, this partnership helps kids discover confidence, belonging, and joy—on and off the field.