A Season of Growth and Connection: SWB’s Fall Recap

As we reflect on this fall season, we’re excited to celebrate how each SWB hub has created lasting memories, advanced our mission and values, and built community through soccer. Across the United States, Latin America, and East Africa, SWB’s impact grows through programs that empower newcomer youth and underserved girls to find belonging, become leaders, and cultivate joy both on and off the field.

From groundbreaking new leagues to meaningful connections with inspiring role models, our fall season brought our mission to life in new and powerful ways. Here’s a look at some highlights from our six SWB hubs around the world.

Bay Area: This fall, SWB Bay Area kicked off its in-house Global Goal 5 League, a transformative space aimed at increasing girls’ participation in soccer while empowering them to build leadership, confidence, and connections within a community of mentors and peers.

Highlighting the season, former USWNT player and Bay FC owner Danielle Slaton led a mental health focus group, followed by a Q&A and a special sports bra donation for the girls. Meeting an Olympic silver medalist left a lasting impact on the team!

Colorado: At SWB Colorado’s Greeley site, the SWB Girls Team is having an incredible season! Competing with local teams, practicing with pro players, and honing their skills (if you could only see their diving practice!), these participants are reflecting the character and sportsmanship of SWB both on and off the field.

Maryland: The Maryland hub kicked off their season with a team-building camping trip for the high school boys’ team. From lakeside hikes and swims to fireside s’mores, these activities fostered friendships and unity that will guide the team all season long.

Massachusetts: This season, SWB Massachusetts launched Liga de Paz, a new in-house league shaped by the complex needs of the local community. Trauma-informed and peace-centered, this league emphasizes not only soccer skills but also respect, leadership, and a supportive, safe space.

Nicaragua: In Granada, SWB hosted its 14th annual Copa de Paz, welcoming over 300 girls for a day of soccer, friendship, and peace-building. The team worked tirelessly to make this year’s tournament the most memorable yet!

Uganda: SWB Uganda celebrated the third cohort of Global Girls graduates, a program empowering young women to become leaders and advocates for change. This season, the graduates organized an event highlighting the importance of refugee education, showcasing how SWB provides a supportive, enriching space to grow and learn.

As the season winds down, we want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who makes our mission possible—our dedicated coaches, tireless volunteers, incredible youth participants, and our donors. Together, we are building teams AND creating supportive, joyful and empowering communities.

Here’s to another season of resilience, growth, and unforgettable memories on and off the field!