“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

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

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

Every whistle signals more than the start of a match. It says: Here is a space of rules, of fairness, of accountability.  For youth at...

A new school. A new language. A new culture. A new system. Back-to-school season can be overwhelming for any student. But for many youth...

On November 2nd, eleven dedicated runners will take on the iconic TCS New York City Marathon. From Staten Island to Central Park, they’ll...

This youth-led mini documentary was filmed and co-created by Jona, a Bay Area participant, with mentorship from filmmaker Fatima Yahyaa....

The Bay , a podcast from KQED, recently featured Soccer Without Borders in an episode highlighting how soccer can serve as a rare...

From left: CJ Brown (Chicago Fire FC), Nora Dooley (SWB Assist Director), and Todd Kropp (Detroit City FC) at the U.S. Open Cup match in...

Photo Credit: Alejandro Durán for El Tímpano/CatchLight Local/ Report for America corps member We’re honored to share a recent feature...

We are thrilled to share a special moment for Soccer Without Borders (SWB): this April, coach Rafael Barrios, from our SWB Bay Area...

We’re proud to share a new article co-authored by Mayele Jules Murhula, Director of SWB Uganda, and Raissa Remandaban Magnin, a Social...

On soccer pitches all across Uganda, a movement is taking shape. The Uganda Girls Leagues (UGL) are here—a first-of-its-kind, nationwide...

From the local pitch to the global stage, 2024 was a year of impact, growth, and connection. Soccer continues to be a force for change,...

We’re thrilled to announce that for the 9th year, SWB will have a charity team running the TCS New York City Marathon!   Applications are...