U.S. Soccer and Bank of America selected Pinewood Elementary as one of the signatory schools to participate in a Soccer at Schools celebration ahead of the FIFA World Cup™. The program introduces key elements of the game to students of all ages and seeks to expand access in local schools, ensuring every student has a chance to participate in the sport in a meaningful way.

On May 20, more than 500 pre-K through fifth grade Pinewood students experienced fun activities on the field and in school. The Soccer at Schools event provided soccer balls and T-shirts to every student, plus an equipment donation to the school. Who knows – a future soccer pro may be in the making!

“It was an honor for Pinewood Elementary to be selected and for our students to help launch this initiative in Charlotte. Our students had a momentous day meeting legendary soccer athletes Crystal Dunn, former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Defender, and Clint Dempsey, former U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team Forward,” said Pinewood Elementary Principal Natashia Pegram. “We appreciate all the athletes, the soccer coaches and support teams that helped make this event happen. We scored the best goal ever – helping students excel and learn teamwork through sports activities. Thank you U.S. Soccer, Soccer Forward and Bank of America for bringing Soccer at Schools to Pinewood Elementary.”

Soccer at Schools, a national initiative led by U.S. Soccer’s community impact group - Soccer Forward, is designed to expand access to soccer by equipping teachers and educators with tools and resources to bring the game directly into local schools and creating more opportunities for students nationwide to play, learn and connect through the sport by 2030.

This initiative is in partnership with Bank of America, and the event programming was led by local U.S. Soccer member organizations, including American Youth Soccer Organization and Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, demonstrating how local soccer leaders are helping bring Soccer at Schools to life in communities nationwide.

Hear more about the event on the CMS YouTube channel or check out the Soccer Forward website.