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Creating belonging
through soccer,
education
& community
Ways to Get Involved
We believe in a team approach at every level to achieve our mission. Whether on the field, on the sidelines, or behind the scenes, positive change comes from the collective actions of many individuals contributing their skills, resources, networks, and passions every day.
Join us in activating our mission on the ground and growing our global community through one of these avenues, or contact us with other ideas. Be sure to read our FAQs first before inquiring about donations of equipment or opening new programs.
Our Program Model
Soccer Without Borders envisions a more inclusive and equitable world, where all youth reach their inherent potential.
Our adaptable program model includes three pillars: soccer, education and community. Our activities combine these pillars into a holistic experience where youth develop their own agency, a sense of belonging, and the skills to contribute, building a healthy identity and the social capital they need to reach their personal goals.
Education
As part of our holistic, evidence-based approach, we provide participants with academic and language support, college preparation, leadership development, and life-skills workshops. On average:
261
Participants held formal leadership positions with SWB. We create opportunities for participants to develop their leadership through captainships, refereeing, coaching, public speaking, mentoring, service projects, and more.
8-12 hours
of weekly, out-of-classroom English language practice is available to SWB participants.
91%
of participants report that practicing English at SWB helps them feel more confident while speaking English in other situations.
Soccer
We proactively work to eliminate financial, social, logistical, and cultural barriers for participants to get to the soccer field. Each year, approximately:
42 sites
directly implement SWB programs across 5 U.S. states and 3 countries.
18 league seasons
are designed and led by SWB, with adjustments for experience levels, socio-economic barriers, gender identities, and cultural backgrounds.
29 camps
provide an intensive version of our TEAM program over the course of a week, with activities to build confidence, battle isolation, and create belonging.
Community
Our programs are community-embedded and designed to strengthen community cohesion and create belonging. We partner with schools and other local agencies to meet youth where they are and connect participants to valuable local resources. Last year:
5700+
refugee and immigrant youth and marginalized girls, aged 5-20, participated in SWB direct services.
82 countries
of origin and 46 unique languages were represented by our SWB participants across all sites.
3,065
total 1-on-1 meetings between coaches and participants took place across 2,800 hours.
Awards & Recognition
FIFA Diversity Award
Impact Award
RWJF Sports Award
Collective Impact Award
5th Global Entreps Awards
Podcasts & Panels
Featured In
