Dr. Hajar Abulfazl, Senior Program Coordinator at SWB Maryland, recently joined The Giving Game podcast to share her journey from Afghanistan to Soccer Without Borders and her lifelong commitment to empowering others through the game of soccer. In the conversation, Hajar reflects on advocating for women and girls in Afghanistan, rebuilding her life in the United States, and how soccer continues to help newcomer youth build confidence, community, and a sense of belonging. Hear

Join Team SWB at the 2027 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon! We're excited to announce that Soccer Without Borders has been selected as an official charity partner for the 2027 ASICS Los Angeles Marathon on March 7, 2027, and we're looking for 10 passionate runners to join our inaugural team. Whether you're chasing a new PR or taking on your first marathon, every mile you run and every dollar you raise will help provide free, year-round soccer, education, and community-building prog

SWB alumnus Warshan Hussin recently joined the The Beautiful Game: Unfiltered podcast to share his journey from arriving in the United States as a newcomer to becoming a coach, mentor, and member of the SWB Board of Directors. In the conversation, Warshan reflects on the challenges of starting over in a new country and how SWB became a place where he could connect, find community, and simply be a kid again. He also shares why he's committed to creating those same opportunitie

A Field Called Home is a documentary created for Soccer Without Borders’ 20th Anniversary by award-winning production team Avocados and Coconuts. The film follows four alumni coaches whose journeys began with displacement, uncertainty, and the challenge of rebuilding life in a new country. Through soccer, they found community, confidence, mentorship, and belonging. Today, they give back to the next generation of newcomer youth as coaches at Soccer Without Borders, supporting

SWB coach-mentor (right) shares words of encouragement with a participant from SWB Bay Area. By Dr. Swap Mushiana, SWB Director of Behavioral Health & Wellness As the world prepares for another era-defining World Cup, millions of young people will watch soccer’s biggest stars and dream about what’s possible. But long before packed stadiums and international broadcasts flood the U.S., something equally important is already happening on neighborhood fields and community pitche

At Soccer Without Borders (SWB), we often talk about the power of soccer to bring people together. This spring in Santa Fe, two high school students brought that idea to life. Driven by their love for the game and a desire to give back, Reese and Vince organized a community soccer tournament to raise funds and awareness for SWB. What started as an idea inspired by former varsity soccer players quickly became something much bigger: a day centered on joy, connection, and buil

Photo by Marc Bryan-Brown We’re honored to share that Soccer Without Borders (SWB) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Celebration of Service Award by Sports Business Journal, recognizing two decades of using soccer as a vehicle for positive change by creating belonging, opportunity, and community for underserved youth around the world. The award was presented on May 20th, during the 2026 Sports Business Awards at the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City. SWB b

Thanks to the generosity of 300 attendees at the anniversary gala, $250k was raised for immigrant and newcomer youth worldwide. ALAMEDA, CA – Soccer Without Borders (SWB) celebrated its 20th anniversary on May 2, bringing together 300 supporters, partners, staff and alumni for an evening honoring two decades of impact through the global game of soccer. Held in celebration of SWB’s work with newcomer youth and families, the event raised more than $250,000 through ticket sales

What happens when soccer becomes the one shared language in a brand-new country? That question sits at the center of a recent conversation on Skin in the Game featuring SWB Executive Director Jennifer Tepper and SWB Massachusetts Director Bruno Contreras alongside hosts John Cimperman and Tim O'Shei. The episode explores how Soccer Without Borders uses sport as a bridge across language and cultural barriers, while also diving into the realities of youth development work, incl

20 Stories for 20 Years | Story 1 2026 marks 20 years of Soccer Without Borders. Throughout the year, we will be sharing 20 stories to celebrate 20 years of impact through soccer, education, and community. These stories will take many forms. Reflections from coaches and alumni, snapshots from the field, milestones from across our hubs, and moments that show how this community continues to grow. Together, they tell the story of where we started, what we have built together, an

“Sport can be a way for kids to learn about their own emotions and inner lives, and work through difficult feelings.” We’re grateful to Soccer America for featuring Soccer Without Borders as we celebrate 20 years of play, education, and connection. The article reflects on our journey from a small summer program in Oakland to a global organization serving underserved youth across multiple communities. It also highlights what has remained constant along the way. A belief in th

Soccer Without Borders has been named the recipient of the Celebration of Service Award at the 19th annual Sports Business Awards , presented by Sports Business Journal . The award will be formally presented during the ceremony on May 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Each year, the Sports Business Awards recognize excellence and leadership across the sports industry, highlighting organizations and individuals who are shaping the future of sport. The Celebr

Across SWB, 2025 was a year of growth, courage, and community. At a time when spaces of belonging, trust, and possibility were needed more than ever, soccer continued to open doors, strengthen connections, and remind young people from all backgrounds that they belong to a community that believes in them. This year’s Annual Report reflects that work in action. Inside, you’ll find stories of youth leadership, meaningful milestones, and the collective effort that made our work

Soccer Without Borders is honored to be named the national recipient of a Vamos World Cup Initiative grant , part of a broader investment supporting organizations using soccer to strengthen communities ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The initiative is led by Comcast NBCUniversal , Telemundo Station Group, and the Soccer Forward Foundation , a platform of the U.S. Soccer Federation focused on expanding access to the game and strengthening communities through soccer. Throug

We’re thrilled to announce that for the 10th year, SWB will have a charity team running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1. Applications are now open , and with limited spots available, they’re sure to go quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or gearing up for your first 26.2, consider joining our team of passionate runners who will sweat for change, making each mile count for SWB youth. This year’s race carries special meaning as it falls during SWB’s

2026 marks 20 years of Soccer Without Borders (SWB) as we launch into a monumental year for soccer in the United States. 2026 not only brings the World Cup but for SWB, it will be a year that reflects on our beginnings, our journey of community impact and organizational growth, and a year to listen and consider what the next 20 years may hold. It is because of incredible SWB community members – like you – that we have served over 60,000 youth from 122 countries, speaking 112

We’re honored to share that Soccer Without Borders (SWB) has been named a new co-convenor of the Sport for Refugees Coalition, alongside the Olympic Refuge Foundation and UNHCR . Established ahead of the first Global Refugee Forum in 2019, the Coalition brings together more than 170 organizations from sport, civil society, and the public and private sectors, all committed to expanding access to safe, inclusive sport for refugees and displaced people worldwide. After contribu

Soccer Without Borders joins a highly selective network of nonprofits working to address our country’s biggest problems. BALTIMORE, MD, January 12, 2025 – Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is proud to announce it has been selected to participate in Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Ignite, a leadership and organizational development experience designed to help nonprofits discover new and innovative solutions and drive transformative change alongside their communities. SWB is on

In his own words Manil—an SWB Colorado alumnus and current coach-mentor—shares his heartfelt journey from feeling overlooked to leading with purpose. From nearly walking away from the game to becoming a leader for the next generation, Manil’s story is honest, reflective, and a powerful reminder of what a supportive team environment can unlock. We’re honored to share his words in full. For me, soccer was a boring and uninteresting sport. That is how I viewed it before I actual

Beloved Colorado-based folk rock band The Lumineers are celebrating their 20th anniversary with more than music. In partnership with Common Goal, GOAL Projects, and Footballco, the band has released a limited-edition jersey that supports girls’ programming at SWB Colorado. We’re incredibly honored to be part of this collaboration—one that brings together sport, art, and purpose to uplift newcomer youth through the power of community. Thank you to The Lumineers, Common Goal, a