Grassroot Soccer Bringing Mental Health Programming to U.S. for the First Time

For nearly 25 years, Grassroot Soccer (GRS) has proven that soccer is a platform for positive change. Since its founding in Zimbabwe, GRS has developed a unique and proven approach to adolescent engagement that uses the sport to make learning about difficult health topics fun and memorable. GRS’s soccer-based programs, led by mentor Coaches, equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle their most pressing health challenges – including mental health, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and issues around sexual and reproductive health such as teen pregnancy.

Now, on the occasion of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup — the largest sporting event ever held in the United States — GRS is bringing that proven approach to the United States for the first time to support young people’s mental health.

Globally, an estimated 1 in 4 adolescents experience a mental health challenge, and in the U.S., young people are facing a growing mental health crisis. Between 2016 and 2023, the prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions among adolescents in the U.S. increased 35 percent, including a 61 percent increase in diagnosed anxiety. And, according to the CDC, 2 in every 5 teens in the U.S. reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in 2023.

To respond to this need – and help make an impact on the occasion of this monumental soccer moment – GRS is bringing a taste of its approach into communities across the country. GRS is working with partners – including World Cup Host Committees, U.S. Soccer, indigenous nations, and local organizations – to meet underserved young people where they are and help them build critical coping skills, resilience, and emotional awareness. 

GRS’s U.S. programming will center on mental health activities adapted from its signature MindSKILLZ curriculum: an evidence-based program that uses soccer metaphors, positive coaching, and on-field activities to teach young people practical mental health skills including stress management, resilience, emotional regulation, and help-seeking behaviors. 

“The 2026 World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to show what soccer can do beyond the beautiful game,” said Dr. Tommy Clark, GRS founder and CEO. “For more than 20 years, we’ve seen how sport and mentorship can open doors for young people to gain essential health knowledge and build the life skills they need to thrive. U.S. partners have been asking us to bring our approach to their communities after seeing the impact of our work in Africa, and the World Cup gives us the right moment to do it.”

In Seattle/Tacoma, with support from the Names Family Foundation, GRS is running mental health programs for young people in Pierce County, with partners including the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, YMCAs, and Washington Youth Soccer. 

In Miami, a grant from Soccer Forward Foundation and Telemundo will support programs, with partners including love.fútbol and Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County.

And in Denver, GRS is launching a Grassroot Soccer MindSKILLZ Cup with the Colorado Soccer Foundation, as well as partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver to incorporate soccer-based mental health activities into their Mental Health Program to equip Club kids with practical tools they can use every day to support their mental health.

Hundreds of millions of people will be watching the World Cup this summer. Grassroot Soccer is excited to help turn this excitement into lasting impact for young people across America.

To learn more about Grassroot Soccer’s U.S. programming, contact Peter Glidden at [email protected].