Soccer Without Borders Receives Sports Business Journal’s 2026 Celebration of Service Award

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 becomes the 10th organization to receive the honor since the award was established in 2017 following the Vatican’s “Sports at the Service of Humanity” global conference, which challenged leaders across the sports industry to harness sport as a force for social good.

Since launching in 2006, SWB has served more than 60,000 youth from 122 countries speaking 112 languages through free soccer, educational, and community-building programs designed to help newcomer youth feel safe, connected, and supported.

Executive Director Jennifer Tepper accepted the award on behalf of the organization alongside members of SWB’s leadership team, local program leaders, board members, and supporters.

“At SWB, our focus is on ensuring safe and welcoming spaces for youth to play, grow, and belong,” Tepper shared during her remarks. “We at Soccer Without Borders, alongside the many organizations who have been previously honored, are dedicated to this work because the values and life lessons that sports facilitate should be accessible to all.”

Tepper also dedicated the recognition to the more than 60,000 young people who have participated in SWB programs over the last 20 years.

The Celebration of Service Award recognizes organizations using sport to improve society and strengthen communities. Previous recipients include Homeless World Cup, PeacePlayers International, America SCORES, and Figure Skating in Harlem.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from leaders across the sports industry,” Tepper said. “The values we celebrate in sport — perseverance, teamwork, resilience, belonging — should not be reserved for only a select few. Every young person deserves access to those opportunities and experiences.”

The recognition comes at a significant moment for the global game, with the FIFA World Cup 26™ set to begin in North America in just a few weeks. For SWB, the moment serves as a reminder of soccer’s unique ability to connect people across cultures, languages, and backgrounds.

For 20 years, we’ve worked to build spaces where young people can grow in confidence, strengthen community, and discover that they belong, both on and off the field.

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About SWB: 

Since 2006, SWB has combined soccer with education and community-building activities in year-round programs that authentically shift outcomes for young people. Recognized globally with the FIFA Diversity Award, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Sports Award, and the Wharton School of Business’ Lipman Family Prize, SWB continues to champion inclusion and empowerment. For more information, visit www.soccerwithoutborders.org