US Soccer Foundation and Discovery Education Launch “Out of Goal” to Bring Soccer-Based Learning to Classrooms Around the World

Supported by the Lenovo Foundation, the multi-year partnership begins with a virtual field trip for grades 6–8 that builds STEM skills and connects classroom learning to real-world activities as football’s biggest moment comes to North America.

WASHINGTON, DC and CHARLOTTE, NC, May 7, 2026 – The US Soccer Foundation and Discovery Education today announced a new multi-year partnership, with support from the Lenovo Foundation, to bring a high-quality, soccer-based learning experience to students across the country through Soccer for Success: Goals for Life.

The partnership combines the US Soccer Foundation’s proven youth development and school-based programs and Discovery Education’s expertise in digital education that aligns with standards, supported by the Lenovo Foundation’s role as an official technology partner to increase access to the latest technology and innovation.

Discovery Education’s teaching and learning solutions are trusted to support teachers and enable student progress in more than 45% of US schools. The partnership builds on the US Soccer Foundation’s long-standing work in schools through its Soccer for Success in School program, which provides curriculum, training, and equipment to teachers and has reached more than 2.2 million students and 5,700 teachers.

Together, the organizations will develop long-lasting skills for youth, deepen student engagement, strengthen STEM learning, and equip teachers with ready-to-use resources designed to fit directly into existing middle school instruction.

Partnership Launched with Landmark Virtual Field Trip with Lenovo Foundation

The partnership begins with the premiere of “Out of Purpose: A Virtual Field Trip to Soccer City USA,” available to educators beginning May 12, 2026, at 7:00 am ET. Designed for students in grades 6–8, the 20-minute experience was filmed on location at Providence Park, home of the Portland Timbers (MLS) and Portland Thorns (NWSL), and at Parkrose Middle School in Portland, Oregon.

A Virtual Field Trip takes students behind the scenes of professional football and into their communities, exploring the themes of communication, leadership, resilience, decision-making, and engineering in action. Students will hear directly from the US Soccer Foundation and Portland Timbers staff, players, and experts in nutrition, sports analysis, and coaching, connecting real-world sports environments with concepts for education, future careers, and personal development.

The Virtual Field Trip will be made available through the Discovery Education Experience solution and a free website, ensuring that every teacher can access and engage with this standards-based content. Teachers can register now to access the Virtual Field Trip and accompanying classroom resources, including a Teacher’s Guide and ready-to-use materials to support middle school instruction in the Health, 3D Science, and ELA standards.

A Timely Collaboration for a Historic Moment in Football

The partnership begins at an important cultural moment, as excitement builds for the world’s largest soccer tournament coming to North America this summer. Soccer has grown in popularity as a global movement, and this partnership ensures that students and educators can tap into this momentum by using the game to develop basic life skills in youth, strengthen communities, and increase access to enrichment opportunities during an exciting time in American sports history.

“At Discovery Education, we help educators bring students’ excitement about the world around them into meaningful learning, and North America’s biggest soccer moment gives us a powerful opportunity to do just that,” said Catherine Dunlop, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Discovery Education. “The US Soccer Foundation shares our commitment to empowering young people to progress, and together we deliver a high-quality, no-cost educational experience that engages students with incredible access to the world behind professional soccer.”

The US Soccer Foundation is leading national efforts to ensure that the 2026 tournament benefits youth and families across the country for generations to come. Together with its partners, the Foundation has installed more than 850 small stadiums throughout the country, with the goal of having 1,000 by the end of 2026. Last year, the US Soccer Foundation engaged 1.2 million youth in its programs that are proven to improve the health and well-being of participants.

“The US Soccer Foundation has always believed that soccer is more than a game. It is a vehicle for youth development, community building, and expanding opportunities for youth,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO, US Soccer Foundation. “This partnership with Discovery Education gives us a powerful new way to accomplish that mission, expanding our reach into schools and providing students in classrooms across the country with content that inspires instruction. At a time when the world’s eyes are on soccer in North America, we want every young person to have access to the learning and life skills that will help them thrive on and off the field.”

As part of its mission to provide access to technology and STEM education to those who need it most, the Lenovo Foundation is proud to support the adoption of sports and STEM education through the US Soccer Foundation’s mission and unique measurement and K-12 Discovery Education strategy. This partnership builds on Lenovo’s role as the Official FIFA Technology Partner for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.^TM and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup ^TM.

“We view sports as a catalyst for inclusion and education,” shared Calvin J. Crosslin, President of the Lenovo Foundation and Chief Inclusion Officer of Lenovo. “We are excited about the opportunity to support the Virtual Field Trip and its free access for teachers in the Discovery Education environment. Sports is a proven democracy around the world and will make students more engaged and skilled – in the areas of STEM and life.“

About Adoption Education

Discovery Education is a global education technology leader with innovative solutions that empower educators and improve student learning. Discovery Education solutions have served more than 100 million students worldwide, supporting effective teaching and learning in 45% of US K–12 schools and in 100+ countries and territories. The company’s portfolio includes award-winning core and supplemental curriculum, content aligned to the highest standards, and AI-powered teaching and learning tools. Solutions span math, science, literacy, social studies, and work-related learning, including instructionally aligned content developed in one-on-one collaboration with industry leaders to bring real-world relevance to every subject. Learn more at www.DiscoveryEducation.com.

About the US Soccer Foundation

As a national leader in sports-based youth development in underserved areas, the US Soccer Foundation is on a mission to enable soccer to do what it does: change everything. Established as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities with access to innovative playgrounds and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, promote well-being, and help youth reach their full potential. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the US Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the Lenovo Foundation