Altadena students recently got a hands-on introduction to soccer when U.S. Soccer (through the Soccer Forward Foundation) and Bank of America launched their new Soccer at Schools initiative with a kickoff at Odyssey Charter School in Altadena. The program is designed to expand access to the sport in schools across the country by 2030.

Students at Odyssey Charter got to participate in a soccer clinic with soccer superstar David Beckham and received soccer equipment and Angel City FC forward Sydney Leroux, placing a national youth-sports campaign in a community still rebuilding after last year’s wildfires.

“Soccer has been the foundation of my life, which started with incredible support at school and in my local community through well-trained coaches, volunteers and access to facilities and equipment,” said Beckham, Bank of America Global Sports Ambassador and Principal for a Day. “Soccer at Schools is built on that very same approach — that all children should have the support and access they need to succeed. I look forward to seeing the impact that will be made for young people in their communities with this long-term programming announced today.”

Bank of America said the initiative fits within its wider Sports with Us platform, which focuses on using sports to strengthen communities. And Soccer at Schools represents one of the most significant youth access investments connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and is a key pillar of U.S. Soccer’s efforts to make soccer the #1 sport played in every community, officials say. Through equipping and supporting people, places and programs across the country, Soccer Forward is increasing participation, enabling stronger community connections and improving youth health and expanded access to safe places to play.

The initiative will continue with additional events in other cities, including Atlanta, Charlotte and Chicago. A public platform for schools and community organizations to access support is expected to launch this summer.