David Beckham is helping to bring soccer to America’s schools as new Soccer at Schools program aims to reach every school by 2030

Sir David Beckham, Global Sports Ambassador for Bank of America (Image: Bank of America) David Beckham helped launch a nationwide effort to bring soccer, known in America as soccer, into schools. The program is called Soccer at Schools and was introduced in March 2026 in Altadena, California, where Beckham led a clinic for 500 students. Its goal is to make the sport available to all schools across the country by 2030 by United States Soccer, through the Soccer Forward Foundation and Bank of America. According to the official launch announcement, the initiative equips teachers, parents and community groups with practical tools so young people can enjoy exercise, friendship and confidence through the world’s favorite game.

David Beckham started a program with 500 students in California

According to a launch announcement issued by Bank of America on March 23, 2026, the first event was held at Odyssey Charter in Altadena, a community hard hit by the Los Angeles wildfires the previous year. It included a special event, equipment donation and a soccer clinic. Sir David Beckham, Global Sports Ambassador of Bank of America, led the clinic alongside Sydney Leroux, star striker of Angel City Soccer Club. The series will continue in Atlanta in March along with the US Men’s National Team playoffs and continue to other communities in Charlotte and Chicago.

Why Soccer at Schools is targeting all US schools by 2030

The announcement says United States Soccer is leading the initiative through the Soccer Forward Foundation, which it describes as the legacy and social impact of American soccer. Bank of America is a partner and the program is part of its Sports with US platform. Football in schools is timed to build on the 2026 World Cup and organizers say it should create sustained opportunities for students, rather than a brief burst of interest as seen during the tournament. It is a key pillar of US Soccer’s efforts to make soccer the #1 sport played in every community, according to the Soccer Forward Foundation.

Sir David Beckham at the Soccer at Schools camp in Altadena, California (Image: PRN)

How football in schools focuses on the lack of pitches and physical activity

The announcement lists three issues the program aims to address. It reports that 67 percent of parks and recreation departments lack enough fields, courts or equipment space, and that 82 percent of community sports agencies see a lack of volunteer coaches as the biggest problem. It also reports that about one in five school-age children in the country is obese and that roughly 71 percent do not meet recommended activity levels. The ultimate goal of the task is to improve access to places to play while helping to recruit and train volunteers, as well as promote the physical health of children across America.

What schools, educators and families receive

According to the announcement, the program offers educators, state soccer associations, community organizations and parents advocacy tools, physical education activities, training, partner-supported programming and equipment. It also provides a Starter Kit for football in schools. Organizers hope it will increase movement and confidence among students, spark interest in after-school programs and local clubs, and build a wider pool of players, coaches, volunteers and fans.

What US leaders said about the launch

According to PR Newswire, JT Batson, executive director of United States Soccer, said in the announcement that its 120 member organizations in all 50 states are in a strong position to connect schools and educators with resources. Lex Chalat, executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation, said the goal is for young people to feel that soccer belongs to them from the first time they touch the ball. Michele Barlow, head of corporate marketing for Bank of America, described sports as a way to build well-being and empower the next generation.Leroux said in the announcement that soccer taught her teamwork and resilience, and that the program gives kids equal opportunity and removes financial barriers. Beckham said his own football life began with support at school and in his community, adding that “all kids should have the support and access they need to succeed”.

How the 2026 World Cup and Atlanta tour will take the program forward

The announcement says organizers will hold more school events with special guests, equipment donations and clinics. After Altadena, the streak was set to continue in Atlanta along with the men’s national team elimination games, and then Charlotte and Chicago. The official platform for community organisations, clubs and schools to raise support is due to launch any time now as it has been scheduled to launch in the summer of 2026.