NewsNBC Bay Area — Local NewsJuly 17, 2026California
Oakland Schools Expand Soccer Programs Through U.S. Soccer Partnership
Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is expanding its partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation to integrate soccer into the school day and provide more athletic opportunities for students. The initiative, supported by the Soccer Forward Foundation, aims to train educators and provide equipment to schools by the 2026-27 school year.
Read the full story at NBC Bay Area — Local NewsWhy It Matters
OUSD students will gain access to new physical education resources, educator-led soccer training, and connections to community-based sports programs as part of a nationwide effort linked to the FIFA World Cup 26.
Key Facts
- OUSD is expanding its partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation to increase youth soccer opportunities.
- The 'Soccer at Schools' initiative will train educators to integrate soccer into the school day starting in the 2026-27 school year.
- The program aims to provide physical education lessons, educator training, and equipment to every school nationwide by 2030.
- OUSD reached an agreement in January 2025 with Soccer Without Borders for after-school programming and academic tutoring.
- A FIFA-sponsored mini-pitch was 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 programming to OUSD schools since 2019.
- The program is supported by Bay Area organizations including the San Jose Earthquakes, Bay FC, and the Bay Area Host Committee.
Who's Mentioned
organizationU.S. Soccer Federation“The national governing body partnering with the district.”locationMontera Middle School“Site of a new FIFA-sponsored mini-pitch.”organizationSoccer Forward Foundation“The community-impact arm of U.S. Soccer.”personZaileen Janmohammed“President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee.”organizationOakland Unified School District“The school district implementing the soccer program.”personLex Chalat“Executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation.”personDenise Saddler“OUSD Superintendent.”otherFIFA World Cup 26“The international tournament driving the nationwide soccer initiative.”organizationOakland Genesis“Local nonprofit providing youth soccer programming.”organizationSoccer Without Borders“Nonprofit providing after-school programming and tutoring.”organizationOakland Athletic League“OUSD's official interscholastic athletics league.”