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Our Mission
Soccer is more than just a game.
It is growth. It is opportunity. It is belonging.
The mission of Soccer Without Borders is to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing underserved youth with a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion, and personal success.​
SWB Culture
Culture at SWB isn’t just what we say, it’s how we show up every day. It lives in the way we coach, the way we listen, and the way we build trust across differences. Our values and mantras guide the decisions we make, especially in the moments that can’t be planned or trained for. Together, they form the culture that makes Soccer Without Borders feel like home.
Our Values:
Authenticity
We strive to be authentic in all we do. When building an SWB program, we value all voices, particularly those of youth and members of the communities we serve.
Whole Person
We believe in a whole-person approach to youth development. Our programs help young people come into a greater, holistic understanding of their bodies, minds, and voices.
Voice
We empower youth, staff, volunteer, community, donor and partner voices in our program design and strategic planning processes, yielding an inclusive culture built by and for newcomer youth and marginalized girls alongside people who care most for them.
Our Mantras:
"We're Glad You're Here"
Whether a participant, volunteer, staff member, partner, or family member, everyone should feel welcomed, valued, and included. By setting a positive, welcoming tone, we can begin to establish a safe and inclusive space.
"Leave Your Shoes at the Door"
Our community includes people from all over the world, each with their own customs, beliefs, and backgrounds. We prioritize learning from each other with authenticity, humility, and curiosity.
"Know the Thingy Thingy"
It can be difficult to express yourself and communicate your needs. Our coaches support self-expression through listening, inquiry, and dialogue. They get to know participants so well that sometimes they know the “thingy thingy” without being told.
"You Play Best When You're Smiling"
Joy is contagious. We aim to create a playing and working environment that prioritizes well-being. If you are happy and having fun, then chances are that your team will be happy and having fun as well!
"Get Them to the Field"
We proactively work to eliminate financial, social, logistical, and cultural barriers for participants to get to the field. We practice a "do what it takes" mentality in order to support our youth to access opportunities and fulfill their greatest potential.
"Celebrate the Pass More than the Goal"
We recognize the long-term nature of youth development work. We celebrate small, everyday triumphs, that are part of learning and growing. We believe that with a focus on ensuring a consistent, high quality process, positive outcomes will follow.
How We Create Change
Our strategic priorities are the foundation of our approach, shaping how we collaborate to design our programs, train coaches and mentors, and cultivate impact in all of the communities we serve.
Deliver High Quality Youth Services
We deliver high quality youth services that support the whole person. Through soccer, we build belonging, wellness, and agency, helping youth grow as leaders in their schools, families, and communities. From physical and mental health to self-efficacy and college/career readiness, our programs give youth the tools to thrive long after they leave the field.
I decided to join SWB because they welcomed me like a family, these people are my motivation to keep going.
There is no better place than home.
Emile, SWB Participant
Get Involved
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re looking to volunteer, give, or connect with local programs, there are so many ways to support underserved youth and bring our mission to life.
