Communities Initiative Grant
Unlocking Potential, Together
Welcome to the home of the Communities Initiative Grant by United Soccer Coaches, where we’re dedicated to fostering growth, inclusion, and innovation within the soccer community. Our mission is to extend the reach and impact of soccer coaching to underserved communities across the nation, illuminating paths for growth, development, and unity through the universal language of soccer.
At United Soccer Coaches, we believe in the power of soccer to transform lives, unite communities, and inspire leaders. The ITG Grant Initiative is designed to support projects and programs that bring soccer coaching education and resources to those who need them most. From inner-city youth programs to initiatives supporting rural areas, we aim to make soccer accessible to all, regardless of background, location, or economic status.
Understanding the Grant
United Soccer Coaches has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer) to lead in the development of coaches serving underserved communities across the country. Over the course of the following years, 2024-2026, United Soccer Coaches will be providing assistance to high schools, clubs and coaches serving underserved communities across the country and within United Soccer Coaches “Coaches Communities.” Click here to apply
United Soccer Coaches is excited to extend financial assistance such as discounted annual memberships to further develop the coach education of both members and non-members who are actively serving or working within communities of underserved youth athletes. Selected applicants to receive the grant will be awarded financial assistance that may include discounted or zero-cost: annual coach memberships, annual club memberships, education/diplomas, attendance to the annual convention, attendance to the coachcon convention, and/or club-specific needs.
Application Windows & Effective Dates
The application windows for this grant align with the quarterly calendar:
- Window 1: April 15, 2024 – June 31, 2024
- Window 2: July 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- Window 3: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
Following the close of each window, the United Soccer Coaches Grant Selection Board will review applications, select recipients, and notify awardees within one week.
Grant Opportunities
Memberships
- Member Club (one-year)
- United Soccer Coaches Membership (one-year)
- Participation at CoachCon
- Participation at United Soccer Coaches Annual Convention
- 50% Discount Available
Education & Scholarships
- Urban Soccer Diploma
- High School Diploma
- Goalkeeper Diplomas
- State, Regional and Advanced Regional Diplomas.
- 33% to 50% Discounts Available
Exposure & Collaboration
- United Soccer Foundation
- Collaboration to Bring in Resources, Leverage Grant & Create Opportunities for Underserved Communities, from USSF and Other Soccer Organizations
Applicant Criteria
Following Executive Orders 13985 14091, United Soccer Coaches defines underserved communities to include: rural communities, communities of color, Tribal communities, LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex) individuals, people with disabilities, women and girls, and communities impacted by persistent poverty. For coaches at schools, Title I, Part A (Title I) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESEA).
United Soccer Coaches is excited to extend this assistance to the members of our API Coaches Community, Faith-Based Coaches Community, Native American Coaches Community, Black Coaches Community, Latino Coaches Community, Women Coaches Community, Disabilities Allies Coaches Community, LGBTQ+ & Allies Coaches Community, Veterans, Active Military & Affiliates Coaches Community, and high school and club coaches.
This grant will seek to help educate young coaches serving in underserved communities. United Soccer Coaches believes that developing, retaining and recognizing quality coaches should be a priority. They are the lifeblood of the sport who donate and sacrifice for the good of the community and the game. This is even more important in underserved communities who suffer disproportionately and have a critical need for quality coaches.
Evaluation Criteria
Underserved Members/Clubs
Priority for members/member clubs working directly with Underserved Communities (See Executive Order 13985 and 14091).
Underserved Communities
Evaluation criteria will consider both active and potential contributions to underserved communities.
Shared Mission
Applicants agree to adhere to the United Soccer Coaches Mission, Vision, and Diversity Statement. A mission aligned with US Soccer’s Strategic Vision.
Demographics
Evaluation criteria will consider each applicant’s demographic data including age, race, sex, and location.
Alignment
Evaluation criteria will consider membership, contributions and participation in United Soccer Coaches and the Coaches Community.
Sustainability
Evaluation criteria will consider ways to leverage the grant with an eye on program/project sustainability.
“When I saw the opportunity to apply for this grant funding through the Federation, I knew it would be a fantastic alignment. We share a similar mission with the Federation and with this program we can take another step in developing players and communities across our country.” — Michael Kodama, Program Lead
Special Requests
In our efforts to identify and help provide to the needs of individual communities across the country, we are also accepting applicants with special requests. Special requests need to be noted as “special requests” in the ITG Grant Application form and need to include a short description defining the need. We are actively listening to our coaching communities are here to serve. Special requests will vary community by community. All special requests will be reviewed following the same defined application windows and effective dates.
