U.S. Soccer Foundation presents annual awards at Congressional Soccer Match, recognizing leaders in social impact. WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 4, 2026) - The U.S. Soccer Foundation recognized leaders in social impact at the Congressional Soccer Match on June 3, presenting its four annual awards to organizations and individuals using soccer to create meaningful change. This year's honorees include Stand Together, LA Galaxy, Newark Public Schools, Think Together, Alex Morgan, and Tyler Adams. "The U.S. Soccer Foundation was founded more than three decades ago on a simple but powerful belief: that soccer can change lives," said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. "That belief continues to guide our work, and this year's honorees exemplify it through their commitment to expanding access and uplifting young people in under-resourced communities. We're proud to recognize their leadership and the lasting impact they're making." Stand Together was awarded the Alan I. Rothenberg Founders Award, presented to an individual, corporation, or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership in driving support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation's mission. Through Yes, Coach!(TM), Stand Together has enabled the U.S. Soccer Foundation to expand access to high-quality mentoring, equip coaches with essential youth development tools, and ensure young people in under-resourced communities have trusted role models both on and off the field. The partnership is helping reshape how caring adults show up for youth across the country, driving civic engagement at a critical time in history. "Stand Together is excited to partner with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help coaches bring out the best in their players long after the final whistle blows," said Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO of Stand Together. "Their work is a reminder of what's possible when you unlock opportunity for hundreds of thousands of coaches and the millions of kids they will go on to serve." The LA Galaxy was awarded the Kevin Payne Community Impact Award, presented to a professional team with a track record that exemplifies what it means to leverage soccer to engage youth and strengthen under-resourced communities. Since 2015, the LA Galaxy has partnered with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to create more safe places to play across the greater LA region, installing eight mini-pitches, including one recently in Pasadena after the devastation caused by the recent wildfires. "We're honored to be recognized by the U.S. Soccer Foundation with the Kevin Payne Community Impact Award," said Tom Braun, President and Chief Operating Officer, LA Galaxy. "At the Galaxy, we believe in the power of soccer to bring communities together and create real opportunity for young people. Through our continued partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, we're proud to help expand access to safe places to play and support youth across Los Angeles as they build confidence, develop life skills, and pursue their full potential." Newark Public Schools and Think Together received this year's Change Maker Award, presented to a community-based organization, administrator, or coach-mentor that leverages soccer in an exemplary way to strengthen communities and drive positive outcomes that help transform the lives of children growing up in under-resourced communities. Newark Public Schools, the largest school district in NJ, is home to nearly twenty Safe Places to Play mini-pitches and has reached more than 40,000 participants through the U.S. Soccer Foundation's programs, including Soccer for Success After School and Just Ball since 2018 through the Office of Extended Learning Time (OELT). Each year, they host a district-wide soccer jamboree for 1,300 students and spectators. Additionally, the U.S. Soccer Foundation partnered with Newark Public Schools to train the entire district Physical Education staff in Soccer for Success In School, further using the game to build healthy habits and skills. "In a community that loves soccer as much as Newark does, the partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation super-charges the opportunities both for students to play, and the community to enjoy soccer-based recreation, wellness, and togetherness," said OELT director Dr. Julianne Bello. A California non-profit organization, Think Together works with school districts and local communities to offer extended learning opportunities statewide. Through collaboration, the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Think Together have reached more than 392,000 participants and 10,200 coach-mentors since 2013. "Through our partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, students are building confidence, teamwork and healthy habits beyond the classroom," said Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together. "Together, we're creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive through play." Alex Morgan and Tyler Adams were awarded the Briana Scurry Ally Award, presented each year to an athlete or ally who helps drive positive social change by leveraging their platform as a force for good in support of under-resourced and marginalized communities. Through the Alex Morgan Foundation, Alex Morgan is committed to creating greater equity, access, and opportunity for girls and women - on the field and off. The Foundation invests in community-based initiatives that advance its three core impact pillars: Sports Equity, Opportunities for Girls, and Support for New Moms. In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Musco Lighting, Alex Morgan Foundation is expanding access to safe, inclusive spaces for play by supporting the installation of multi-sport mini-pitches across the county with the first three installed in Southern California. Together, they have committed to installing five additional pitches by 2028, creating more opportunities for teen girls to find their confident paths forward through sport. "Our mission is to create equity and opportunity for girls and women. By expanding access to quality spaces to practice and play, we're helping more girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and experience the life-changing power of sport," said Laura Wolf Stein, Executive Director, Alex Morgan Foundation. Since 2023, Tyler Adams has worked with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to create mini-pitches to provide easier access to play. Starting in his hometown of Poughkeepsie, he's also worked with partners to open pitches in Detroit and Philadelphia with one coming soon to the Atlanta metro area. The 2026 awardees were honored during the 12th Congressional Soccer Match at Audi Field, where Republicans beat Democrats, 7 to 5. For more than 30 years, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has been the leading force focused on advancing soccer as a vehicle for social impact. In three decades, the Foundation has worked collaboratively with 1,000 national and local partners to positively impact youth in under-resourced communities - delivering proven programs that foster improved health and well-being at a time when kids need it most. Last year, the U.S. Soccer Foundation engaged 1.2 million youth in its programs proven to improve the health and well-being of participants. The Foundation has installed more than 900 mini-pitches nationwide, on track to create 1,000 by the end of 2026. About the U.S. Soccer Foundation As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow Us Soccer Foundation on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Lynwood Unified expands learning beyond the classroom during spring break through LevelUp. More than 800 Transitional Kindergarten through eighth-grade Lynwood Unified students turned their spring break into an adventure of discovery through LevelUp Lynwood, which provided a space for students to explore their curiosity outside the classroom. From April 6-8, students engaged in academic and personal growth opportunities, strengthening their math and English language arts skills through interactive, hands-on learning while also staying active through obstacle courses, sports tournaments and outdoor play. Students also went on excursions, including a trip to Adventure City, creating memorable, exciting moments with their friends. Programs like LevelUp Lynwood, in partnership with CodeCampus, iAttend and Think Together, reflect the District's commitment to expanding learning beyond the classroom through enrichment opportunities. By supporting academic growth, promoting wellness and creating spaces for connection, Lynwood Unified continues to invest in experiences that help students thrive and succeed. * All Elementary * CCMS News * Hosler News

Think Together hosts third annual "Think Together, Build Together" Volunteer event to support Summer Learning for students across California. PR Newswire Today at 6:23pm PDT Organization Assembles 2,000 Classroom Kits to Power Hands-On Summer Learning Experiences. SANTA ANA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Think Together, a division of Think Education, hosted its third annual Think Together, Build Together kit build event, bringing together donors, volunteers and community partners to support summer learning for students statewide. This year's initiative aimed to fund and assemble over 2,000 classroom kits designed to support hands-on academic and enrichment activities throughout Think Together's summer programs. Through sponsorships, $160,000 was raised to cover the costs of the kits. Volunteers and sponsorship support came from local organizations including the Assistance League of Tustin, Orange and Villa Park NCL, Santa Ana Rotary, University Synagogue, Topgolf, Pioneer Circuits, RMH Dancing, Pacific Life, State Farm, and Trinity United Presbyterian Church. Over the past three years, Think Together, Build Together has grown into a signature volunteer event, engaging corporate partners, community members, and supporters in a hands-on effort to support student learning. "If anyone's thinking about getting involved or supporting Think Together, you know what I'd say? Just do it," said Think Together board of directors member Tracy Hernandez, CEO of New California Coalition. "We need students to be well supported and inspired to be the best they can be as they grow up into the future." Research shows that extended breaks can lead to measurable learning loss, particularly in mathematics and early literacy, with some students losing a substantial portion of prior-year gains without structured enrichment. This can result in increased reteaching needs, slower instructional pacing and widening achievement gaps when students return to school. Think Together's summer model combines academic support with enrichment opportunities including STEM activities, arts education, sports, and real-world learning experiences. The classroom kits assembled through the event provide the materials that make these experiences possible. "Summer learning plays a critical role in helping students maintain momentum," said Think Education Founder and CEO Randy Barth. "These kits help ensure students return to school ready to learn, not needing to catch up." Last summer, Think Together served more than 26,000 students across 270 school sites. The organization's summer programs are designed to keep students engaged in learning during a critical period when academic regression is common. About Think Together For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. A division of Think Education, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Education's program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, school improvement and leadership development for teachers and school administrators. Follow Think Education on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Follow Think Together on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. SOURCE Think Together This is a paid placement. For further inquiries, please contact PR Newswire directly.