Los Angeles Names 26 Community Champions Ahead of FIFA 2026
Los Angeles Names 26 Community Champions Ahead of FIFA 2026
Blog Article
FIFA 2026: With exactly one year remaining until Los Angeles hosts eight matches of the World Cup, including the highly anticipated opener for the U.S. Men’s National Team, the city has officially introduced its 26 Community Champions. These are local nonprofit organizations using the power of soccer to create lasting, positive change across the region.
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In total, these groups serve more than 17,000 Angelenos annually, reaching across youth development programs, adaptive sports initiatives for individuals with disabilities, and grassroots community-based adult organizations. Each of the selected nonprofits will receive a $26,000 grant, a professionally produced promotional video that highlights their mission and community impact, and public recognition through media and event opportunities as Los Angeles builds toward the global tournament.
The initiative reflects a broader strategy to ensure that hosting the Football World Cup becomes more than just a sports spectacle; it becomes a legacy project that enhances lives and uplifts neighborhoods. Kathryn Schloessman, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and Host City Manager, emphasized that the work these organizations do is at the heart of what Los Angeles wants the FIFA World Cup 2026 legacy to represent.
FIFA World Cup: Community Champions Using Soccer for Change
She noted that their commitment to driving long-term change speaks to the tournament’s deeper impact in the region, well beyond the excitement of the games themselves. The list of Community Champions includes diverse and dynamic organizations such as LA SCORES, the Boys and Girls Clubs at various locations across the city, Cal South State Soccer Association, Special Olympics Southern California, and the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes.
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These groups have a strong presence in communities that are traditionally underserved, including areas still recovering from the effects of recent wildfires. Their work includes everything from providing after-school soccer and literacy programs to offering adapted forms of soccer for athletes with intellectual and visual disabilities.
Renata Simril, President of the Play Equity Fund, which partnered with the Host Committee to coordinate this initiative, described the Champions as grassroots heroes who use football to bring people together and build stronger, healthier communities. According to Simril, soccer is not just a game in this context; it’s a tool for connection, empowerment, and transformation.
LA Launches Lasting Impact Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The announcement of the Community Champions also served as the kickoff for a broader set of legacy programs under the theme Celebrate the Extraordinary. These initiatives are designed to leave a meaningful imprint across Los Angeles by growing interest and participation in soccer, inspiring the next generation of sports professionals, and improving the urban landscape through beautification and community-based projects.
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The intention is for these programs to last long after the final whistle of the tournament is blown, ensuring that the energy and investment around the FIFA World Cup 2026 benefit the city in a sustainable way. To mark the one-year countdown, a celebratory event was held on the historic Fox Studios lot in Los Angeles, attracting celebrities, athletes, community leaders, and supporters from across the city.
During the event, each Community Champion was honored, with many representatives sharing stories about the impact of their work and their excitement for the year ahead. The evening also featured the unveiling of the first official Host City merchandise for Los Angeles, allowing fans to begin showing their support for the city’s role in the global tournament.
Building Momentum, World Cup Legacy Drives Community Impact in LA
This merchandise launch is more than a branding opportunity; it represents a key piece of the city’s momentum-building strategy. Items such as hats, shirts, and scarves featuring unique Los Angeles-themed designs are now available, and proceeds from the merchandise sales will help support the Community Champions and related legacy initiatives. By integrating culture, design, and purpose, the city is tapping into fan enthusiasm to drive real-world impact.
The 26 nonprofit organizations recognized as Community Champions have been carefully selected to reflect the diversity and spirit of Los Angeles. They serve children in public schools, youth in low-income neighborhoods, adults with disabilities, and families seeking connection and opportunity through sport. These organizations work with populations who often face barriers to participation, using soccer as an entry point for mentorship, education, inclusion, and recovery.
Several of the honored groups are also addressing broader challenges in the city, such as disaster recovery. In wildfire-impacted neighborhoods, these soccer-based programs provide not only recreation but a sense of normalcy and rebuilding. Other organizations are creating career pathways for young people, introducing them to the world of sports management, coaching, broadcasting, and sports medicine.
The investments tied to this initiative will also be visible through improved local infrastructure. From new soccer fields and upgraded lighting to public art and renovated community centers, the physical impact of the tournament is designed to reflect the same energy as the emotional and social investment. Organizers are focused on ensuring that these changes serve the community well beyond 2026.
LA’s Lasting Legacy, Football World Cup 2026 as a Catalyst for Community Change
As the countdown continues, Los Angeles is looking beyond the games themselves to what hosting this historic event can truly mean. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is an opportunity to unite a city through sport, but also to strengthen it. By spotlighting local champions, investing in underserved areas, and prioritizing inclusivity, LA is aiming to build a future where the benefits of the tournament extend to every corner of the city.
When the U.S. Men’s National Team steps onto the field next summer for its opening match, it will not only mark the beginning of the tournament in Los Angeles but also serve as a powerful symbol of what has already been achieved through this unique approach. For thousands of Angelenos, the road to FIFA 2026 has already brought connection, resources, recognition, and hope.
Ultimately, these 26 Community Champions are more than just recipients of grants they represent the living legacy of the Football World Cup in Los Angeles. Their stories, their work, and their impact will continue to echo far beyond the tournament’s final match, proving that sport can indeed be a powerful force for community transformation.
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