The Philadelphia Union Foundation harnesses the power of soccer to change lives for the better. Founded in 2011, the non-profit organization is affiliated with the Philadelphia Union. Through its fundraising and partnerships the Foundation raises millions of dollars that it reinvests in the community.
The Foundation has three key initiatives — iAM Project, HeadFirst and Chester Soccer — all which equip children with the skills, coaching and support they need to succeed both on and off the field. These programs have transformed thousands of lives, fostering brighter futures for participants and strengthening community bonds.
The Foundation’s mission is to inspire and empower young people, especially those from underserved communities, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible individuals.
iAM Project
INSPIRATION | ASPIRATION| MENTORSHIP
The iAM Project addresses the impact of socio-economic inequality on social mobility, working to break the cycle of poverty for every young person who becomes part of the program. The program empowers ambitious high school students from underserved communities to unlock their full personal, academic, and professional potential. Students apply and take part in a rigorous interview process to be accepted into the program, where they are connected with inspirational speakers, skilled mentors, internships and some of nation’s largest companies. The iAM Project helps participants build the knowledge, abilities and experiences they need to succeed. This mission is made possible through strong partnerships and collaborative efforts driven by a shared vision of creating lasting change. The iAM Project is made up of three programs:
i : INSPIRATION | Inspirational Speaker Series
A : ASPIRATION | The Aspire Program: Learn and Explores
M : MENTORSHIP | Career Assist
Inspirational Speaker Series
The iAM Project’s Inspirational Speaker Series is designed to cultivate a growth mindset in students. Speakers challenge students to look beyond their immediate surroundings, imagine new possibilities and expand their aspirations. The series features individuals who share relatable stories of overcoming obstacles and defying the odds, instilling a powerful message of resilience and hope. Hosted in collaboration with Neumann University, the series takes place multiple times a year — during the student’s school year — and is tailored to inspire the more than 350 students from Chester Charter Scholars Academy who attend.
The Aspire Program
A = ASPIRATION: Unlocking Pathways to Success
The Aspire Program offers scholars an unparalleled opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience with our valued partners. Designed to inspire and equip young minds for their future journeys, the program features a dynamic blend of taster sessions, interactive "learn and explore" workshops, and an immersive university residential experience.
Through these tailored experiences, students are introduced to diverse industries and career pathways. Following their "learn and explore" workshops, scholars reconnect with professionals from our partner organizations during in-school visits, fostering genuine mentorship opportunities that grow organically over time. This critical component helps scholars build strong networks and establish relationships that guide them in making informed decisions about their futures.
Whether they choose university, trade school, or a high-quality apprenticeship, Aspire equips young leaders with the skills and insights needed to confidently pursue their ambitions. It also reinforces our commitment to unlocking the full potential of every scholar we serve, ensuring they have access to opportunities that shape their success.
In collaboration with our education partners, rising juniors also take part in a pre-college workshop, exploring a wide spectrum of academic interests available at the university level. This initiative encourages them to dream big while providing the practical tools and support necessary to achieve their aspirations.
Mentorship
M = MENTORSHIP: Empowering Scholars Through Real-World Experience
The Mentorship component of the program culminates in a paid internship, offering scholars an immersive opportunity to explore their chosen career paths in greater depth. During their Union Internship, scholars become integrated into the inner workings of a professional organization, gaining a first-hand understanding of what it takes to operate a Major League Soccer team.
Each scholar is paired with a mentor and spends time shadowing professionals within the Union's front office. They participate in strategy meetings, engage with guest speakers, observe the day-to-day operations of the organization, and contribute to meaningful projects that make an impact. This hands-on approach not only strengthens their professional skills but also builds their confidence and understanding of potential career opportunities.
As the internship progresses, scholars work toward a capstone project, which they present to a panel of Union leaders. This project allows them to apply their experiences, showcase their learning, and receive constructive feedback—all while gaining a sense of accomplishment and pride in their contributions.
Throughout the entire program, scholars are supported by dedicated mentors and coaches, who guide them through the application process, offer personalized career advice, and ensure they are well-prepared for their future endeavors. This mentorship fosters both personal and professional growth, helping each scholar take significant steps toward their dreams.
HeadFirst
RESILIENCE | AWARENESS | GROWTH
The Philadelphia Union Foundation is dedicated to reshaping the conversation around mental health. Through its groundbreaking HeadFirst initiative, the Foundation aims to increase awareness and provide vital support to players, families and coaches. The Foundation believes that mental health is as essential as physical well-being, and building strong support networks is the cornerstone of a healthier, happier life.
HeadFirst is built on three key pillars:
Digital Toolkit: Practical resources tailored for players, parents and coaches they can access 24/7.
In-Person Education: Interactive sessions under the "A Happier U" program.
Annual Mental Fitness Forum: "Raising Awareness | Because Every Story Matters," a space for sharing experiences and fostering understanding.
With the generous backing of our founding partner, Independence Blue Cross, HeadFirst addresses the challenges facing our community and makes a meaningful impact by focusing on education, health and well-being to empower and uplift athletes and communities.
Digital Toolkits
The Foundation partnered with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) to develop comprehensive digital toolkits for players, parents and coaches. The toolkits provide resources to help address five critical mental health topics that can impact athletes both on and off the pitch: Bullying Anxiety
Social Media Usage
Grief Depression
These resources are designed to equip parents and coaches with the knowledge and strategies to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring they can be a strong and supportive presence for the athletes in their care. That support and coaching plays a crucial role in shaping the futures of young people and creating lasting positive change.
To make these toolkits easily accessible, the Foundation provides youth soccer players with bag tags featuring a QR code that links directly to the resources. In 2024, the Foundation distributed nearly 10,000 bag tags — and the number continues to grow.
‘A Happier U’
The Foundation’s positive mindset training program, ‘A Happier U,’ equips teenage soccer players with essential mental skills to excel both on and off the field. Drawing from positive and sports psychology, this program teaches practical techniques to help players overcome challenges, stay motivated and focus on achieving their goals. Tailored to the unique needs of soccer players, it’s an ideal addition to their development as athletes and individuals.
Program topics include:
Practicing mindfulness and positive visualization
Responding to unhelpful thoughts in constructive ways
Discussing personal strengths and accomplishments
Developing strategies to bounce back from challenges
Managing stress effectively
Making thoughtful and healthy decisions
Connecting with others in positive ways, including the practice of gratitude and kindness
A range of exercises is offered, allowing each athlete to select the practices that work best for them and incorporate them into their routines. This program empowers young athletes with practical strategies to enhance their mental game, helping them grow as confident, resilient individuals while elevating their performance on the pitch.
Mental Fitness Forum
Each year during May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we host a forum that unites individuals and organizations to exchange ideas and insights about mental well-being.
The inaugural Mental Fitness Forum in May 2024 featured expert insights and engaging panels on critical mental health topics. The event was moderated by John Stanley, CEO of The Moderati and board member at The Quell Foundation, who is recognized for his work in normalizing conversations around mental health.
The dynamic panels addressed key issues, including the clinical perspective on mental health challenges and solutions, insights from players, parents, and coaches on navigating mental health in sports, and a deep dive into mental fitness at the college and professional levels, with contributions from college coaches and mental health professionals. With our keynote speaker being Julie Kliegman, an acclaimed author of Mind Game, who led a conversation that resonated with all attendees.
Chester Soccer
EMPOWER | EDUCATE| ELEVATE
Soccer should be accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live or their socieconimc status. The Foundation supports the full soccer ecosystem in the city of Chester, from youth soccer through high school. Through its low and no-cost soccer programs, the Foundation empowers young athletes by promoting values such as teamwork, discipline and personal development, while ensuring greater access to the sport and encouraging community involvement. Through soccer, the Foundation seeks to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of the players, their families and the entire Chester community.
The Chester Soccer Initiative consists of two key components: Chester Union, a philanthropic soccer club for Chester boys and girls of all ages, from 7-18 1. Development, operation and funding of the Boys’ and Girls’ high school teams in the Chester School District 2.
Chester Union
The Foundation is committed to expanding the reach of soccer in Chester, using the sport to create opportunities and transform lives. The ultimate goal is to engage, inspire, and involve the youth of Chester through soccer. Through Chester Union, the Foundation provides a safe, inclusive environment where players can enjoy the game, develop a passion for soccer and feel part of something greater than themselves.
Chester Union offers soccer at no cost to the community, with teams ranging from U8 to U19, with no prior experience required. 75% of our players have never played soccer prior to joining our program. To date, the program has nearly 250 particpants, including a U-19 boys team that is actively training and competing.
Chester High School
In 2024, the Philadelphia Union Foundation revived soccer in Chester after more than 30 years without the sport played at the high school level. On Tuesday, September 11, 2024, Chester High School marked this momentous occasion by hosting the first-ever PIAA game against Chichester at the Philadelphia Union’s WSFS Bank Sportsplex. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting, funding, and overseeing the growth of the Chester High School boys' and girls' soccer teams. These teams are made up of students from Chester High School, STEM Academy and Chester Charter Scholars Academy, and they compete in the PIAA league each fall.
Safe Spaces
BUILD | CONNECT | PLAY
The Foundation’s vision for creating safe spaces has grown into a commitment to building vibrant and accessible soccer fields in Chester. These fields provide Chester Union players with secure, wellmaintained spaces to train, play and thrive. The Foundation collaborates with like-minded community organizations, uniting to support and uplift Chester through the transformative power of soccer. With its partners, the Foundation is committed to constructing state-of-the-art mini-pitches — small, tailored areas designed for four-a-side soccer games and pick-up play. Mini-pitches can be created in a variety of locations, from repurposed tennis or basketball courts to turf or grass fields.
The Foundation supports the U.S. Soccer Federation's goal of establishing 1,000 specialized soccer arenas nationwide by 2026, promoting healthier lifestyles and inspiring youth to stay active.
The Foundation’s first mini-pitch was built in YEAR at Capitolo Playground, a site that supports three youth soccer leagues and serves more than 600 children annually. In 2015, the first Union-themed mini-pitch was unveiled at Stetser Elementary School in Chester, marking a significant milestone in the availability of accessible soccer spaces. This progress continued with the addition of another mini-pitch at Main Street Elementary School in Chester a few years later. To date, the Foundation has proudly completed seven mini-pitches, with each one serving as a cornerstone for community engagement and youth development.
To learn more, visit our website: www.philadelphiaunionfoundation.org
Follow us on social media: @ philaunion.FDN @ philaunion_FDN
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