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In September, ACCESS U hosted its inaugural “Sunset Social” Salon in Los Angeles at the home of longtime supporter Joi Horowitz. The intimate gathering brought friends and supporters together to discover ACCESS U’s mission, learn about its work, and hear firsthand how the organization is making a lasting difference in the lives of student-athletes and their families. The evening raised more than $62,000, including a matching pledge from longtime supporter Jerome Simon. These

ACCESS U is excited to welcome our newest cohort of student-athletes into our College Pathway program! Class of 2028 Raelynn Black Mia Gradel Bailey Holke Class of 2029 Taylor Abe Anne Marie Ashley Denae Burton Ava Hudson Ariana Urbina In partnership with Gritness, these student-athletes were identified through a series of soccer showcases held between March and June 2026, including Battle of the Southwest (March 21-22), ECNL Phoenix Spring Showcase (March 27-29), North Caro

The ACCESS U Foundation today announced the addition of Ty Cole as Chief Storyteller. An award-winning entertainment personality, Cole brings a deep passion for storytelling and a genuine connection to the foundation's mission. In this role, Cole will collaborate with ACCESS U to highlight the paths, resilience, and excellence of scholar-athletes, alumni, and partners. Starting October 26, Cole will host a new series, OFF THE FIELD with ACCESS U’s Chief Storyteller, featurin

ACCESS U Foundation, in partnership with Yours In Soccer Foundation (YSF) and Gritness, brought its new Beyond the Game initiative to young student-athletes across Southern California, hosting workshops in Claremont and Chula Vista on August 20 and 21. The initiative is designed to motivate young athletes to pursue higher education, cultivate a championship mindset, and build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in athletics, academics, and life. The workshops, hosted

At ACCESS U Foundation, we're dedicated to providing our student-athletes with valuable resources that support their success throughout the college recruiting process and beyond. We're excited to share "The 5 Steps Every Athlete Should Take (Today) to Start Building Their Brand," a guide created by David Neiman, President of Athlete Interactive, who joined us as a featured panelist at our 2024 Express Lane to College Symposium at the University of Southern California (USC). W

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings soccer into the spotlight across North America, a recent USA Today opinion column examines one of the most significant challenges facing the sport in the United States: access. Written by ACCESS U Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director Brad Rothenberg, the article explores how the pay-to-play model continues to limit opportunities for many talented young athletes. While highlighting ACCESS U Foundation as one example of organizations wo

ACCESS U Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director, Brad Rothenberg, recently joined ‘Right About Now’ host Ryan Alford for a conversation about the barriers facing youth soccer players in the United States and the importance of creating more accessible pathways to opportunity. During the episode, Brad shared how ACCESS U helps student-athletes navigate the college recruiting process while providing the guidance, support, and resources needed to pursue both academic and at

Last year we officially partnered with Gritness, an athlete mentorship and college recruitment program founded by former U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) player Lindsey “Linz” Huie. As part of this partnership, ACCESS U and Gritness will be on the ground, identifying high-character, high-potential student-athletes who are serious about maximizing opportunities to play soccer at the collegiate level while earning an undergraduate degree. Selected scholar-athletes will gain a

ACCESS U and Yours in Soccer Foundation (YSF) partner to expand access and guidance for youth soccer players.

La Fundación ACCESS U da la bienvenida a estudiantes - atletas de Charleston.

Prestige Prep and ACCESS U partner to unlock scholar-athlete potential Empowering students to succeed: that’s the ethos behind Prestige Prep, a boutique tutoring agency specializing in academics and test preparation. For 20 years, Prestige Prep has operated out of the tri-state area, offering virtual and in-person assistance for students hoping to pursue higher education. And for the last three years, those services have been extended to aid ACCESS U scholar-athletes across t

ACCESS U Foundation proudly announces the release of ‘Taking Their Shot’, a new original docuseries created in collaboration with COCINA, part of Mecenas Group.

Soccer Meets Education: ACCESS U and Aniya Williams in the LA Times

In a recent Sports Business Journal op-ed, Lindsey Huie—Founder of Gritness and former U.S. Women’s National Team player—joined Leonard Griffin—Head Coach of Men’s Soccer at UC Berkeley—to call for a reimagining of the U.S. soccer system. Together, they challenged the entrenched “pay-to-play” model that excludes too many talented young athletes based on finances rather than ability. Huie brings a unique perspective to the conversation through her work with Gritness, a platfor

This month, ACCESS U proudly celebrates our 22 seniors in the Class of 2025.

From Humble Roots to Harvard: Edwin’s 2021 Reflection

In a sport often defined by access and opportunity, 17-year-old Aniya Williams is rewriting the playbook.

In the U.S., soccer has increasingly become a sport reserved for those who can afford the high costs associated with the pay-to-play system. However, ACCESS U Foundation is challenging this reality by supporting Black and Latino scholar-athletes who are often excluded from the opportunities they deserve. By offering financial aid, mentorship, and college prep resources, ACCESS U is not just leveling the playing field, it’s transforming lives. Recently Forbes covered the stori

ACCESS U Foundation was awarded a $10,000 grant from Dynamo and Dash Charities under the Youth Development Through Soccer and Education.

How ACCESS U Foundation is Helping Young Soccer Players Change Their Lives?