Fans to nominate Schools and Youth Groups to Receive Soccer Equipment
Washington, D.C. (Aug. 12, 2026) – D.C. United today announced the club’s Foundation will be introducing United in Play: Giving the Gift of Soccer Program. The new community initiative empowers fans to help expand access to the game by nominating local schools and community groups in need of soccer equipment, ensuring more young people have the resources available to play.
Rooted in D.C. United’s commitment to growing the game and the D.C. United Foundation’s mission to level the playing field by providing equitable access, United in Play provides schools and youth groups with soccer gear to support youth development and provide pathways to play. The initiative is built off the club’s Soccer & Soar programming that focuses on helping young people develop critical life skills both on and off the pitch.
“United in Play brings our belief that soccer is for everyone to life - removing one of the biggest barriers to the game by putting equipment directly in the hands of schools and community groups,” said Shanell Mosley, Senior Director, Community Impact & Executive Director of D.C. United Foundation. “Launching this initiative in the wake of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is intentional – we're building on that momentum to unite our community through soccer and open doors for young people across the DMV.”
Based on nominations, D.C. United will be selecting local schools, teams and groups each month to receive a United in Play soccer kit, consisting of essential gear for training sessions and games which may include soccer balls, pop-up goals, pinnies, cones, shin guards, sports bras and other D.C. United branded items. United in Play soccer kits will be delivered monthly by Talon, D.C. United’s mascot, along with a current D.C. United player or legend subject to availability. Schools and community organizations must be located within 20-30 miles of Audi Field and show a need for equipment to be eligible.
Fans can further support the initiative by purchasing and donating soccer balls to be included in the soccer kits. For each donation, fans will also provide a young person with the opportunity to attend a D.C. United match, therefore doubling their impact.
Fans are encouraged to nominate local schools, teams or community organizations to help make the game available to more young people across the region. To submit a nomination, please fill out the form here.
To learn more about D.C. United's impact in the community, please visit www.dcunited.com/community/soccer-and-soar.
About D.C. United
One of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, D.C. United are among the most decorated teams in the United States with 13 domestic and international trophies. D.C. United have called the District home for the last 28 seasons and play their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C, which opened in 2018. In addition to D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer- specific stadium hosts over 100 events year-round and is home to America’s number one sportsbook through a partnership with FanDuel Group.
The Black-and-Red train at the United Performance Complex, a state-of-the-art training facility and performance center located in Leesburg, Va. The 40,000 square foot 30- acre training facility, that opened in 2021, features four outdoor practice fields, and a training center equipped with a weight room and recovery facilities. The Black-and-Red have won the MLS Cup four times (1996, 1997, 1999 and 2004), the Supporters’ Shield four times (1997, 1999, 2006 and 2007) and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times (1996, 2008 and 2013). For more information and club updates, please visit www.dcunited.com and find us on social media @dcunited
About the D.C. United Foundation
The D.C. United Foundation is an extension of D.C. United, the Major League Soccer Club located in Washington, D.C., and prioritizes serving populations that lack equitable access to important resources and education. The D.C. United Foundation harnesses the power of soccer to reach underserved communities in the D.C. area and give youth the tools necessary to soar on and off the pitch. Our work is centered around programming and partners that encourage and provide opportunities for community members to thrive, unite, and have essential support. For more information, visit www.dcunited.com/foundation.
