Boys & Girls Clubs of America and FOX Sports Launch Initiative to Expand Youth Soccer Access

The United States last hosted the World Cup in 1994, which sparked a surge in youth‑soccer interest. With the 2026 tournament being co‑hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, a comparable rise in enthusiasm is anticipated, yet access remains a challenge for many.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is prepared to promote the sport and expand access and opportunity for young players.

(Courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of America)

“The next generation of soccer players, fans and leaders are already out there in communities across America — they just need the opportunity to step onto the field,” USA goalkeeper Matt Turner told the organization recently. “Boys & Girls Clubs of America is helping open those doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to the sport, and that’s how we preserve the game’s legacy.”

Financial obstacles rank among the primary challenges. Participation costs in youth sports have risen sharply, with family expenditures up 46% over five years, coinciding with a drop in youth involvement, per the Aspen Institute’s 2025 Project Play survey. Transportation issues further compound the problem, especially for low‑income families.

To reduce participation costs and encourage soccer involvement, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America has partnered with FOX Sports and other organizations to target these priority areas:

• Lowering Cost Barriers for Youth Soccer Participation
• Investing in Soccer Infrastructure to Expand Safe Playing Spaces
• Training, Supporting, and Developing Youth Soccer Coaches
• Boosting Participation and Retention of Girls in Soccer
• Shifting Youth Soccer Focus from Pressure to Play

Recently, FOX Sports, together with its parent company Fox Corporation, pledged a $500,000 investment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to enhance affordability across more than 26,000 clubs nationwide.

“You know the World Cup is a legacy. Sports are a legacy,” FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas told FOX & Friends in May. “We want to make sure that there are the resources to give people the opportunity to play and kids the opportunity to play.”

A separate Aspen Institute Project Play report found that 32% of respondents cite team fees as a significant barrier to participation, rising to 41% among low‑income households.

Additional partners of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America include the New York Life Foundation, Buffalo Wild Wings Foundation, and the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Financial contributions go beyond merely reducing participation costs; they also support youth soccer development and create pipelines for future generations, fostering life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and learning from setbacks.

According to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, this funding supports current programs, expands community soccer events, and trains dozens of youth referees and over 160 new coaches.

These initiatives, along with many others, aim to spark enthusiasm for soccer among youngsters, nurturing the next generation of fans and players.

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