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NewsNBC Bay Area — East BayJuly 17, 2026Alameda

Oakland Schools Expand Soccer Program Partnership

The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is expanding its partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation to bring the 'Soccer at Schools' program to district schools. This initiative aims to train educators to integrate soccer into the school day by the 2026-27 school year and connects students with local soccer organizations.

educationyouth sportssoccerOakland Unified School Districtcommunity partnerships
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — East Bay

Why It Matters

OUSD students will have increased access to soccer-related physical education, equipment, and after-school programming through a district-wide expansion of partnerships with national and local soccer organizations.

Key Facts

  • OUSD is partnering with the U.S. Soccer Federation's 'Soccer Forward Foundation' to expand youth soccer opportunities.
  • The 'Soccer at Schools' program will train educators to integrate soccer into the school day starting in the 2026-27 school year.
  • The national 'Soccer at Schools' program aims to provide soccer opportunities to every school nationwide by 2030.
  • In January 2025, OUSD partnered with 'Soccer Without Borders' for after-school programming and academic tutoring.
  • A FIFA-sponsored mini-pitch opened at Montera Middle School in April.
  • The initiative is delivered through the Oakland Athletic League and in collaboration with the nonprofit Oakland Genesis.
  • Oakland Genesis has provided after-school soccer to OUSD schools since 2019.
  • The program is supported by regional organizations including the San Jose Earthquakes and Bay FC.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSoccer Forward Foundation“U.S. Soccer's community-impact arm.”organizationU.S. Soccer Federation“National governing body partnering with OUSD.”organizationSoccer Without Borders“Nonprofit providing after-school soccer and tutoring.”organizationOakland Athletic League“OUSD's interscholastic athletics league.”personDenise Saddler“OUSD Superintendent.”organizationBay Area Host Committee“Organization coordinating regional sports events.”locationMontera Middle School“Site of a new FIFA-sponsored soccer pitch.”personZaileen Janmohammed“CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee.”personLex Chalat“Executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation.”organizationOakland Genesis“Local nonprofit providing youth soccer programming.”organizationOakland Unified School District“The school district implementing the soccer program expansion.”