FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kansas City, MO – February 17, 2025 — United Soccer Coaches is excited to announce the launch of Phase 3 of its Communities Initiative Grant Program, which will run from January 1 to March 31, 2026. This program is made possible through an Innovate to Grow Grant from the United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer), which has approved $200,000 for this grant (from 2024–2026) to support soccer growth in underserved and marginalized communities.
Since its inception, the Communities Initiative grant has already made a significant impact. A total of 44 projects, 7 member clubs, and 83 individuals have been approved. The ITG grant has facilitated key collaborations with organizations like the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC), Vidigami, and Time Out Against Hate, which further the program’s mission of fostering inclusivity and promoting diversity in soccer.
Phase 3 offers a range of opportunities to coaches and organizations, including discounted membership and education programs for selected projects, individual coaches, and member clubs. The grant provides discounts on educational programs, including the Urban Soccer Diploma, Goalkeeper Diploma, State, Regional, and Advanced Regional Diplomas, with savings of up to 50%.
Rene Miramontes, a coach involved in the program, shared, “This grant has allowed our community to access resources. It’s making a huge difference in how we grow soccer. We are the Home of All Coaches.”
United Soccer Coaches encourages applications from a diverse range of communities, including rural areas, communities of color, veterans, high schools, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. The grant is designed to help those facing barriers to soccer participation, offering a valuable opportunity to gain resources, education, and exposure that can help drive positive change.
Applications are open now and will close on March 1, 2026. For more information and to apply, visit https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/communities-initiative-grant/.
Contact:
Michael Kodama Coaches Community Relations Manager