U.S. Soccer Launches New Soccer Forward Video Series Exploring How the Game Brings People Together
Episode released on Oct. 12 to feature USWNT’s Claire Hutton and Kennedy Wesley
ATLANTA – Soccer has long been more than what happens on the field. From the relationships built through the game to the shared experiences that bring people together, soccer has the power to create connection, foster belonging, and build healthier communities. Building on that idea, U.S. Soccer’s legacy and social impact arm, Soccer Forward Foundation, released the latest installment of its video series exploring the people and stories that bring that impact to life. Launched during the FIFA World Cup, the series was developed in partnership with the Sports and Entertainment Impact Collective (SEIC), a grantee of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The series will feature players from the U.S. Women’s National Team, as well as extended national teams, including the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team and the U.S. Power Soccer National Team, sharing their unique experiences of belonging in the sport. As each episode explores a player’s introduction to the sport, a consistent theme emerges: come as you are, and be welcomed for exactly who you are.
As the USWNT takes the pitch, the episode released today focuses on belonging through the eyes and lived experiences of USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton and defender Kennedy Wesley, who are both in camp for the USA vs. Spain women’s international friendlies in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 10, and in Chester, Pennsylvania on Oct. 13.
Each film will be available across all U.S. Soccer digital platforms, including ussoccer.com and the official U.S. Soccer YouTube channel.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“Since the first time I kicked a soccer ball, the game has given me a sense of camaraderie and community as a teammate, as a friend, and as someone who can be a part of something bigger,” said midfielder Claire Hutton. “Whether it was playing early on in youth leagues, or even now in pick-up games, or representing my city, or country, I’ve found that same sense of belonging at every stage of my life and career that make this sport so meaningful.”
“We are proud to partner with the U.S. Soccer Federation on this Soccer Forward film series, which highlights the importance of belonging and the role it plays in the overall health of communities,” said Alisha Greenberg, SEIC co-founder. “It takes a community to build an environment where we can all grow, learn, and thrive. These stories remind us that we succeed by collectively working together and supporting one another.”
“The way people experience the game creates a shared sense of community, where individuals from all backgrounds can find connection, commonality and joy,” said Lex Chalat, Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. “This series reflects Soccer Forward’s vision that when people experience a sense of belonging, especially through this beautiful game, soccer can become a force for good, bringing people together to create healthier, more educated, equitable and connected communities.”
ABOUT SEIC
For over a decade, the Sports and Entertainment Impact Collective (SEIC) has connected sports and entertainment leaders to the tools, networks, and programs they need to drive meaningful change. As a grantee of RWJF, SEIC is mobilizing athletes, influencers, and industry leaders to elevate stories that often go unheard and expand the infrastructure needed to drive lasting narrative change through sport.
ABOUT U.S. SOCCER
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer is the national governing body for soccer in the United States and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In service to soccer, U.S. Soccer works to grow the game at every level, from local communities to the world stage. The Federation oversees 27 National Teams, supports players, coaches, referees, and member organizations nationwide, and is committed to expanding access to the sport, strengthening pathways, and creating better environments for every participant. Through initiatives such as Soccer Forward, the U.S. Way, and the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, U.S. Soccer is building the foundation for long-term success on and off the field. The Federation's ambition is to help make soccer a leading sport in the United States, and to build teams capable of consistently competing for and winning major international championships, including FIFA World Cups. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.
ABOUT SOCCER FORWARD
The Soccer Forward Foundation is a key driver in U.S. Soccer’s overall vision that soccer is a force for good. Operating with the belief that soccer contributes to healthier and more connected, equitable communities, Soccer Forward supports U.S. Soccer’s efforts to expand access to the sport, helping the game reach more people and create lasting change. Soccer Forward focuses on enabling and equipping people, places and programs to grow the game in communities across America and on delivering cutting-edge research, training, and guidelines to prove soccer’s contribution to health outcomes in communities. In addition, it will develop standards and provide business and technical support to build the ecosystem for the women’s game across the U.S. and globally. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/soccer-forward.