Soccer Without Borders

08/17/2026

We love seeing the wonderful work that is being done with Global Girls Project at our Soccer Without Borders Uganda program! ✨ See our most recent update below:

"Last month, some of our young girls took action to make a difference in their community. 🫶

Together with community leaders and members, they participated in a community clean-up while putting into practice the leadership skills they have been building through the Global Girls Project (GGP) program. They also encouraged community members to speak up about community challenges and be part of the solution. 🌱

Together, they shared one message: “Cleaning my community is my responsibility." 🚰

Thank you to Global Girls Project and SWB Uganda for bringing this workshop to life! 💛"

08/14/2026

The World Cup wasn't the only soccer story worth celebrating this summer. ☀️

Beyond the TV cameras, superstars, and jam-packed stadiums, another version of the beautiful game was unfolding across our communities in the Bay Area, Colorado, Maryland, and Massachusetts, with more than 1,100 young people taking part in SWB programming this summer.

And many of these summer experiences were shaped by young people who know SWB firsthand. More than 100 Youth Leaders were hired, with participants and alumni stepping into formal, paid roles and taking real ownership over practices, activities, and the environments they cultivated for younger participants.

Along the way, there were:

100+ pizzas eaten at the beach in Maryland 🍕, 18 cups of slime made in Colorado, World Cup parties and projects, jump-rope songs, water fights, and of course a whole lot of soccer! ⚽

During one closing circle this summer, SWB Colorado participant Abdul shared what the experience meant to him: “I came in as a new person and felt respected and cared for. Everyone was really nice to me and helped me feel welcome.” 💙

When school is out and familiar routines change, SWB summer programs provide young people a place to keep playing, learning, growing, and making memories together.

08/11/2026

Through Coaching Boys Into Men (CBIM), SWB coaches use soccer as a space to help young men build healthy relationship skills, learn what respect looks like, and understand the importance of preventing violence against women and girls.

See how Soccer Without Borders Uganda participants recently celebrated the conclusion of their latest cohort with CBIM Pledge Day! 👇

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"Last Friday, participants came together for the CBIM Pledge Day, taking time to reflect on what they learned throughout the Coaching Boys Into Men program.

The day included a Dutch tournament, group discussions, and a post-program survey before participants made their CBIM pledge, committing to respect, positive relationships, gender equity, and responsible behaviour on and off the field. The day marked an important moment to reflect on the journey and encourage participants to carry these lessons into their everyday lives and communities.

We are grateful to Futures Without Violence for partnering with us in creating spaces where young people can learn, reflect, and build positive relationships through the CBIM program. 💙⚽"

08/07/2026

“Soccer's most meaningful victories often happen on local community fields, far from television cameras.”

The World Cup reminded millions of people what soccer can make possible. But the power of the game doesn't end when the final whistle blows.

In a new op-ed, SWB Executive Director Jennifer Tepper reflects on what happens after the World Cup spotlight fades, and the community organizations that make soccer's promises real every day.

Read Jennifer's full piece: https://www.soccerwithoutborders.org/post/as-the-world-cup-fades

(World Cup photos courtesy of Burt Granofsky Photo)

08/05/2026

We're proud to amplify the work of Tawana Organization, founded by Hajar Abulfazl, Senior Program Coordinator at SWB Maryland. Tawana works to empower Afghan women through sport and education, creating opportunities for women and girls to build confidence, pursue their goals, and thrive.

Later this month, Tawana will host the first national Afghan Girls Soccer Tournament in the United States.

This effort closely aligns with SWB's Strategic Priority #2: increasing access to quality, free, fun and competitive play. That commitment extends beyond our own programs, and we're glad to uplift others creating meaningful opportunities to play!

The Tawana Organization is currently raising funds to help make the tournament possible. Learn more and support their efforts below.

Support the first national Afghan Girls Soccer Tournament in the United States—a celebration of courage, hope, and opportunity.

08/04/2026

Happy vibes all summer long! 🌞

From opening to closing circle, our favorite moments happen when everyone feels free to have fun, be themselves, and enjoy each other's company. That's why our mantra is simple: you play best when you're smiling! 😊

Here's to an August full of joy, friendship, and plenty more peace signs. We can't wait to see you all back on the pitch this fall! ⚽✨

07/31/2026

Time flies when you're having FUN! ✨

One minute it's the first day of summer camp, and the next we're looking back at a summer full of laughter, friendships, activities, and unforgettable memories. ☀️

From the sidelines to the soccer field, every moment together reminds us that the best memories are made when we're together as a team. 💛

Thank you to all of our SWB community members that made our summer programming one to remember. Stay tuned to learn more about our summer camp highlights! ⚽

07/27/2026

Imagine being 10 years old, hearing more than 60,000 fans roaring, and realizing you're about to walk onto the field alongside some of the world's biggest soccer stars.

This summer, 122 SWB participants from SWB Massachusetts and SWB Bay Area experienced exactly that through the Quaker Player Es**rt Program at the FIFA World Cup 26™. They represented their families, cultures, and communities on soccer's biggest stage, reminding us that every young person deserves to see themselves reflected in the game they love.

We're grateful to Quaker, Common Goal, and FIFA for making this incredible opportunity possible, and to photographer Burt Granofsky for generously providing these amazing pics.

(Photos by Burt Granofsky Photo, shared with permission.)

07/24/2026

Rising Leaders at SWB! 🌱

This year, over 250 youth took on leadership roles through Soccer Without Borders' Youth Leadership Program, turning their love of soccer into opportunities to grow, lead, and build community. As assistant coaches, referees, and on-the-field mentors, these youth helped create safe, welcoming spaces for younger players while also building confidence and leadership of their own. 😊

Our Youth Leadership Program provides newcomer youth with paid workforce development opportunities. Youth leaders receive trauma-resilient mentorship, on-the-job coaching, and hands-on leadership experience in linguistically inclusive environments where they can thrive. Through experiential learning, they strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills that prepare them for their future careers and lifelong success. ✨

For many families, these paid opportunities also make a meaningful difference. By earning income while staying connected to the SWB community, youth leaders can contribute to their households without needing to seek work elsewhere – continuing to grow as mentors, role models, and leaders for the next generation of players. 💙

Thank you to all of our youth leaders who supported our programs this year – the magic of our programs is possible because of you! 🌟

07/22/2026

The biggest barrier to playing soccer isn't talent. It's access.

Across the country, where a young person lives can have a major impact on whether they have the opportunity to play. A recent analysis by NBC Bay Area found that elementary-aged children in lower-income Bay Area communities have access to half as many soccer fields as those in higher-income areas.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to play. That's why our free, year-round programs help remove barriers so underserved youth can take the field alongside trusted coach-mentors who help them navigate life on and off the pitch.

Where a young person lives should never determine whether they get the chance to play. 💙⚽💪