literally and figuratively. In September 2023, “U.S. Soccer” announced that philanthropist Arthur M. Blank contributed $50 million to support building its National Training Center, with some of those funds specifically being allocated toward thoughtful design of accessible facilities for the Federation’s Extended National Teams. The contribution will also support women’s coaching and mentorship initiatives, while the NTC will also host youth tournaments, soccer community conferences, programming to benefit soccer-focused nonprofits, among many other initiatives. As the Federation’s ambition grows, so do its needs. In late 2023, the Federation added Leah Heister Burton as its Chief Advancement Officer, a role created to increase focus in the space and build scalable program focused on building a culture of philanthropy. Burton brings more than 15 years of strategic leadership experience overseeing organizations’ collective fundraising efforts at some of the world’s most respected institutions, most recently working with the renown Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. “U.S. Soccer has built a solid foundation for its philanthropic efforts over the past year and we’re very grateful to our donors for their contributions to growing the game,” said Burton.“We’re now looking to evolve and build on those efforts exponentially to really help drive the next chapter. Arthur Blank’s contribution to the NTC is a prime example of the impact these efforts can have, and we’re really excited for the future opportunities in this space.” Fundraising and philanthropy will be key for the future of “U.S. Soccer.”The next step in this evolution is the Soccer Forward Foundation -- a legacy project which will transform soccer in America on the back of the 2026 World Cup. A LASTING LEGACY “U.S. Soccer’s” efforts are part of a vision to outlast any singular individual or event. The idea is to change the game in America forever. By the end of this decade, the Federation will have a dedicated, state-of-the-art National Training Center and will have helped host one – if not two – World Cups. Fans will inevitably follow those two tournaments, but the Federation’s vision spans far beyond that.To truly grow the game, it aims to be a leader in research and knowledge sharing, and galvanizing participation at all levels. It aims to expand participation at all levels and for all abilities and reduce barriers to entry, while also increasing retention rates, and increasing both the number and quality of coaches and referees, both of which require making education resources accessible. Of course, the USMNT and USWNT will be a crucial part of seizing the moment, but the work that “U.S. Soccer” is doing behind the scenes, in areas that are not the most visible at first glance, will be defining factors in its lasting legacy. 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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