News

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.

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?

ACCESS U Announces Partnership with Gritness, Expanding College Recruitment Assistance for Scholar-Athlete

Michelle Alozie, The Houston Dash and ACCESS U teamed up to grow soccer in underrepresented communities.

ACCESS U is a proud partner of the LA Times’ High School Insider program, supporting the dreams of young readers, thinkers and storytellers.

ACCESS U Hosts a Free LA Symposium to Tackle Pay-to-Play Barriers in College Soccer Recruitment.

Thanks to a Marin Community Foundation Grant, Canal FC and ACCESS U Launched a Youth Soccer Clinic Program

Phoenix Wooten, a Soccer Prodigy From the Outer Banks, Has Taken a Remarkable Step in His Journey,