Northern California (February 18, 2025) – Cal North and America SCORES Bay Area (SCORES) are honored recipients of the U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow (ITG) grant for the 2025-2026 years.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that U.S. Soccer approves all budgeted funds for grants. In line with U.S. Soccer’s strategic vision and accelerated initiatives, the grants will help grow the game and foster the best playing environments by funding programming focused on increasing accessibility and participation for soccer in all its forms as well as providing resources to increase the availability of referee and coaching education resources for several members across the country.
This grant brings both organizations two steps closer to actualizing a shared vision of increasing access to soccer and the holistic benefits it provides children, Creating Soccer Fans for Life!
The Innovate to Grow grants will directly fund programming to increase education resources for youth coaches and referees, remove financial barriers of entry for participants in marginalized communities, increase participation opportunities for girls and women, and provide resources for an array of Disabled Service Organizations to make soccer more accessible to all.
The U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow will benefit over 100 Title I (low-income) schools in the Bay Area with SCORES and Cal North leading programing and implementation. Cities that will see a positive impact from the Innovate to Grow grant are San Rafael, Concord, Richmond, East Oakland, Hayward, San Jose, Watsonville and San Francisco.
What They’re Saying:
"U.S. Soccer is proud to award this Innovate to Grow Grant to Cal North and America SCORES Bay Area. We believe soccer is more than a sport, it is a force for good. Cal North's commitment to bringing soccer to everyone, regardless of financial resources, inspires us. Cal North along with America SCORES Bay Area will be impacting 5,500 new players and 120 new coaches by bringing the sport to more kids in the Bay Area. Both organizations are changing lives through soccer, and we are honored to support their efforts." - Cindy Parlow Cone, President of U.S. Soccer
“We are proud and excited for Cal North and America SCORES Bay Area to receive a grant from U.S. Soccer’s Innovate to Grow fund. We know how much the Bay Area loves the beautiful game, and we’re thrilled to see these two organizations come together to continue growing the game in Northern California.” - Nathán Goldberg Crenier, Vice President of U.S. Soccer
"We’re incredibly grateful to U.S. Soccer and Cal North for this partnership, which removes financial and logistical barriers to ensure every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to play soccer on a team, grow, and thrive. Soccer is more than a game; it’s a platform for building confidence, leadership, and a lifelong sense of belonging. This partnership builds community, it is more than soccer—it’s about creating a future where every child knows they belong, on and off the field." - Colin Schmidt, America SCORES Bay Area Executive Director
"We have a very unique opportunity with America SCORES Bay Area to not only grow the game here in Northern California, but also to leave a positive footprint in our communities with the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming. We are appreciative of U.S. Soccer for selecting us as recipients along with America SCORES Bay Area as we work to leave an impact in California by Creating Soccer Fans for Life!” – Marley Wilson, Cal North Soccer Association Executive Director
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About Cal North Youth Soccer Association
Cal North is the original youth soccer organization in Northern California, who has served generations of players, coaches, leagues, and clubs with storied histories since 1969. Cal North is a member of a much larger soccer community, and as a member, you are also a member of this world community. Players register to play with one of the more than 200 clubs or leagues formed by Cal North. Through affiliation, our leagues and clubs are also members of US Youth Soccer, US Soccer, and US Futsal. US Soccer, along with over 197 other national soccer organizations, are members of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA serves as the international governing body for soccer and US Soccer has been a member since 1913. Together, local, national and international organizations form a family of support for the young soccer players of Cal North.
About America SCORES Bay Area
A soccer ball. A blank page. A safe space to grow. Since 2001, America SCORES Bay Area has harnessed the power of play and self-expression to engage over 28,000 young people in sports, learning, and leadership. Our free, school-based programs ensure kids have a team to belong to, a place to be heard, and the confidence to lead—on and off the field. Through soccer, they develop resilience, and as Poet-Athletes and Young Leaders in Action, they learn to uplift their teammates, schools, and communities. When kids have the chance to play and express themselves, they build skills that last a lifetime. Learn more at www.americascoresbayarea.org.
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