How a Student-Led Fundraiser Brought a New Mexico Community Together

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 building community.

“We both enjoy playing soccer for a good cause,” they shared. “We hoped to bring together members of our school community on the soccer pitch to support an organization that also focused on the joy of the sport.”

From the very beginning, Reese and Vince approached the event with intentionality and care. After securing approval from their school’s Athletic Director and administration, they chose a Sunday in the spring to make sure local club players could participate. Then came the work of spreading the word across their school community.

Through school assemblies, reminders to students and families, and word-of-mouth outreach, they invited everyone to join what they described as “a fun day on the pitch to support a meaningful cause.”

And fun was exactly the point.

Rather than creating an ultra-competitive tournament, Reese and Vince focused on inclusion and connection. Teams were intentionally balanced across grade levels, parents joined in, and even faculty members formed their own team. Every participant who registered through their online sign-up received a custom charity tournament t-shirt as part of the experience.

They also rallied support from local restaurants and cafés, securing donated gift cards that added to the excitement of the day. Awards included categories like Best Faculty Player, MVP, and even a “Puskás Award” for the tournament’s best goal.

More importantly, the event created an impact that will last beyond the final whistle.

“We hope this event inspires classmates and community members to support charitable causes that focus on the activities that bring all people together,” Reese and Vince shared. “We hope this soccer tournament becomes an annual tradition at our school.”

Their vision reflects so much of what makes our SWB community special: young people using sport not only as a game, but as a way to build belonging, leadership, and respect across differences.

“Like Soccer Without Borders,” they said, “we hope the bonds formed on the soccer pitch lead to unity and a respect for the diverse backgrounds of all.”

Reese and Vince are leaving behind more than just a successful fundraiser. They created a model of leadership and community that future students can carry forward.

Reese and Vince’s fundraiser is a reminder that moments like the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup™ can bring people together in meaningful ways beyond the game itself. They can be opportunities to build community and create lasting impact.

As excitement for the World Cup grows around the globe, SWB is inviting supporters everywhere to channel that energy into action through World Football Giving Day. Whether you are hosting a watch party, organizing a friendly tournament, or gathering with friends and family to cheer on your favorite teams, you can turn your love of soccer into meaningful support for young people.

Reese and Vince showed that bringing people together around the game does not have to be complicated to make a difference. With creativity, community spirit, and a shared purpose, anyone can help expand access to belonging, mentorship, and safe spaces through soccer.

Inspired to get involved? Create your own fundraiser for Soccer Without Borders during the World Cup and help more young people experience the power of sport, connection, and community. Whether you raise $50 or $5,000, every effort helps create opportunities for youth in the U.S. and around the world to thrive – on and off the field.

Thank you, Reese and Vince, for creating such an inspiring example of leadership, community, and generosity. Your passion for soccer and commitment to bringing people together reflects the very heart of Soccer Without Borders, and we are grateful for the impact you created both on and off the pitch. 

Create Your Own Fundraiser!