Could This Shocking Partnership Transform Civic Engagement in Youth Sports Forever?

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the excitement builds for the upcoming FIFA World Cup set to take place in the United States this summer, a notable partnership is emerging that seeks to harness the power of soccer to foster civic engagement among the nation’s youth. During Civic Learning Week, which runs from March 9 to 13, iCivics and U.S. Soccer announced a collaboration through the Soccer Forward Foundation aimed at blending the world of sports with essential civic education.

This collaboration highlights the launch of iCivics' free digital learning games, Neighborhood Good and Investigation Declaration, which will be accessible on Soccer Forward's resource hub. This initiative is designed to engage educators, coaches, and youth leaders by providing interactive civic learning tools that introduce young people to the foundational concepts of civic life. These games cover crucial topics, such as the principles of the Constitution, civic responsibilities, and effective problem-solving, all within a format that is both engaging and accessible.

"This collaboration reflects our shared belief that young people thrive when they are given opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate,"

said Louise Dubé, CEO of iCivics. “Civic Learning Week is a powerful reminder that education doesn't only happen in classrooms — it happens in communities, on fields, and through real-world engagement.”

In a significant step forward, the Soccer Forward Foundation will also join the CivxNow coalition, which comprises over 415 organizational partners dedicated to enhancing civic education across the United States. This coalition, a project of iCivics, is focused on reestablishing schools' civic mission, an essential aspect of sustaining and strengthening constitutional democracy in America.

"iCivics' education tools, which champions things like teamwork, communication, leadership, and respect across differences, are exactly the type of resources we want to ensure the soccer community has access to,"

explained Lex Chalat, Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. "By sharing how civic learning can support in creating positive soccer participation, particularly in schools, we are reinforcing the belief that active citizenship, like fair play, is something you practice every day through participation, collaboration, and learning."

As this partnership evolves, the organizations plan to explore additional avenues for aligning digital resources, community programming, and initiatives focused on empowering youth. The collective goal is to create a sustained collaboration that supports students not just as athletes, but as informed and engaged members of their communities. This approach is rooted in the philosophy that, much like a soccer team, society benefits from teamwork and collaboration.

As the world gears up for the FIFA World Cup, this initiative serves as a reminder that the spirit of soccer extends beyond the game itself. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating informed, active citizens who can contribute positively to their communities. This partnership between iCivics, CivxNow, and the Soccer Forward Foundation is a proactive step towards building a more engaged and responsible youth who can navigate the complexities of civic life with confidence.

For more information about the Soccer Forward Foundation and its initiatives, visit ussoccer.com/soccer-forward, and to learn more about iCivics and its educational resources, check out icivics.org.