LULAC Teams Up with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to Extend the Reach, Access, and Impact of Community Programs, with Focus on Latino Communities

The collaboration will take place at LULAC’s 2024 National Convention and Exposition with soccer clinics on the Las Vegas strip & information on local youth programming opportunities

Las Vegas, Nevada and Washington, D.C. – The League of United Latin America Citizens (LULAC), the largest and oldest Latino civil rights organization in the U.S., today announced a collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Foundation at its 2024 National Convention to leverage each organization’s ability to transform lives in Latino communities throughout the country.

The collaboration will take place during its 95th Annual National Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 26 – June 29, 2024. LULAC and U.S. Soccer Foundation trainers will host soccer clinics for conference participants on a mini-pitch (soccer field) on the Vegas strip, as well as provide information about local youth programming opportunities.

The goal of collaborative efforts is to extend the reach, access, and impact of community programs that promote individual and community change, as well as health and well-being across all communities, with a focus on Latino communities ahead of the many soccer events over the next few years including Copa America and the World Cup in 2026. Access to soccer and the positive impact it can have should not be limited or cost prohibitive for families, especially those that have just entered the U.S.

“LULAC is proud to support the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s mission to use the sport of soccer to improve lives in underserved communities,” said LULAC CEO Juan Proano. “Our national reach and localized engagement through our 535+ councils will help further advance the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s ability to provide access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs designed to improve the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Latino communities across the United States. Additionally, this collaboration is in line with LULAC’s policy priorities and will form part of its outreach and advocacy efforts to combat obesity.”

“This collaboration comes at a significant moment as we look to give millions of kids, especially those in underserved communities, their own moment in the lead up to the many prestigious soccer events being hosted here in the U.S.,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We eagerly anticipate solidifying a formal partnership with LULAC in the coming months, aiming to strategically align our missions and amplify our impact in Latino communities. Nearly 50% of our program participants are Hispanic and Latino, so this is a natural fit for us.”

In addition to the mini-pitch activation, during the Convention, U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon will lead a Plenary session on Friday, June 28th entitled “Game Changers: Empowering Latino Youth through Sport and the 2026 World Cup.” The session will focus on harnessing the power of sports for social impact, recognizing the critical role of play in shaping the health and development of children.

For more information and to register for the soccer clinic, visit our National Convention website here.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

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