At SWB, we believe that soccer – the universal language – is unparalleled in its ability to unite people from every corner of the Earth. More than just a game, soccer has the power to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
When uncertainty and division seems to permeate our planet, there’s a fundamental truth that gives us hope – that together we can do extraordinary things.
Therefore, we are thrilled to launch SWB United, our Play It Forward campaign for 2023! We invite YOU to join us as we raise funds and celebrate the ways soccer makes an incredible impact on the lives of thousands of youth around the globe.
We will feature:
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Weekly spotlights and live interviews with SWB alumni coaches
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Reflections on our favorite mission moments from the past year
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A look ahead to 2026 where you can help us reach 50,000 youth by the time the FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America.
SWB has been a leader in the sport-for-development sector over the past 16 years. Our evidence-based programming and trauma-informed coaching strategies are designed to create safe spaces where young people can heal, find belonging, and have the opportunity to reach their greatest potential.
Our Play It Forward campaign allows us to provide free, year-round soccer programming to nearly 5,000 newcomer youth and marginalized girls each year. In Fiscal Year 2023, we served 4976 youth representing 64 different countries and speaking 47 unique languages!
While this is worth celebrating, there is still a lot of work left to be done:
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This past year, over 110 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes. This includes over 60,000 refugees resettled across the United States (MPI) and 212,401 refugees arriving in Uganda, a staggering 60% of whom are under the age of 18 (UNHCR).
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During this same time, Nicaragua experienced a gender gap of approximately 19 percent, meaning that women were 19 percent less likely than men to have equal opportunities in the country. This was the highest gender gap found across Latin America and the Caribbean (Statista).
Although the need is great, we believe that, together, we can make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of newcomer youth and marginalized girls throughout the communities we serve. Soccer can be a vehicle for positive change for SWB participants across Colorado, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nicaragua, Oakland, and Uganda and worldwide through SWB Assist.
Together, let's stand united in pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable world through soccer. Join us by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
Click here for more information on donating by mail, donor-advised fund, stock, or to cryptocurrency.