Funding will support the relaunch of Soccer in the Streets’ Beyond the Pitch program in 2027
ATLANTA, GA — [October 2, 2026] Bank of America has awarded $50,000 to Soccer in the
Streets to support the continued development of its Beyond the Pitch curriculum, a holistic youth
development program designed to help young people grow both on and off the soccer field. The
grant will support the organization in building the initial capacity needed to relaunch the program
in 2027.
Investing in Soccer in the Streets reflects Bank of America’s commitment to supporting
programs that help young people build the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. With
its support, Bank of America is strengthening an organization that uses an accessible and
familiar platform, the universal game of soccer, to create broader pathways for Atlanta youth to
thrive.
“Programs like Beyond the Pitch create opportunities for young people to learn, explore new
interests, and develop skills that can serve them throughout their lives,” said Al McRae,
president, Bank of America Atlanta. “The impact extends beyond soccer by helping young
people build confidence and connections for the future.”
Beyond the Pitch has a simple belief: soccer is just the beginning. The program is a rounded
approach to youth development, helping kids develop not only as soccer players, but as
confident learners, leaders and engaged citizens.
“Soccer has always been the starting point for what we do, but we know the impact can go so
much further,” said Kaseem Ladipo, executive director of Soccer in the Streets. “Beyond the
Pitch is about giving young people the tools and experience to navigate life with confidence.
Investments like this provide the resources we need to bring the program back to young people
in an even stronger way in 2027.”
In 2026 Beyond the Pitch gave kids cooking lessons using natural ingredients as an Earth Day
activity, a free visit to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and education around
sustainability through gardening activities.
As Soccer in the Streets looks ahead, the organization will focus on developing a formalized
curriculum and establishing structure to deliver Beyond the Pitch consistently across its
programming.
About Soccer in the Streets
For more than 35 years, Soccer in the Streets has provided youth in Atlanta communities with
access to soccer and life-skills programming designed to help young people thrive on and off
the field. Through programs in communities, schools and MARTA StationSoccer locations, SITS
uses soccer as a tool for youth development, connection and opportunity. StationSoccer is the
world’s first transit soccer network, connecting thousands of children participating in Soccer in
the Streets programs throughout Atlanta. Learn more at https://soccerstreets.org/.
About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers,
small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking,
investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services.
The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving more than 69
million clients with approximately 3,500 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs
(automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 60 million
verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and
investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations,
governments, institutions and individuals around the world. As the #1 small business lender in
the United States (FDIC), Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4
million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products
and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its
territories and more than 35 countries and/or jurisdictions. Bank of America Corporation stock
(NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
