The U.S. Soccer Social Impact Award presented by Haleon honors current and former players from any of U.S. Soccer's National Team programs for their off-field contributions that are making a positive and significant impact in the community in support of Soccer Forward Foundation's mission to enable soccer's ability to contribute to healthy, educated, equitable, and connected communities.
“Soccer has the power to bring people together, and our partnership with U.S. Soccer is about ensuring more people have the opportunity to experience that sense of connection and belonging,” said Richard Manso, Haleon US Chief Marketing Officer. “The Social Impact Award recognizes individuals who are creating meaningful change in their communities and advancing a more inclusive future for the sport. We’re proud to celebrate their impact and the values they represent.”
“The Social Impact Award recognizes excellence with integrity within the soccer community,” said Turan Mullins, U.S. Soccer Vice President, Inclusion & Engagement. “U.S. Soccer, in partnership with Haleon, wants to foster inclusivity and meaningful societal change while driving progress in soccer and in our broader communities.”
The award seeks to highlight the power of soccer as a force for good and recognize athletes who use their platform for positive social change.
Nominee Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Be a current or former player who has earned at least one cap with a U.S. Soccer National Team program.
- Demonstrate meaningful community impact through work aligned with Soccer Forward Foundation's mission.
Nominees should embody U.S. Soccer's ambition to make soccer everywhere for everyone by advancing one or more of the following focus areas:
- Programs: Creating opportunities for more soccer in schools and communities.
- Places: Expanding access to safe, inclusive, and welcoming places to play.
- People: Equipping coaches, mentors, and community leaders to support the next generation of players.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2026 U.S. Soccer Social Impact Award presented by Haleon open July 20, 2026, and close August 21, 2026.
There is no limit to the number of nominations submitted. Current players, former players, coaches, administrators, and other members of the soccer community are encouraged to nominate deserving individuals.
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by representatives from U.S. Soccer, Haleon, the U.S. Soccer Athletes Council, and Game Changers United.
The recipient will receive a $20,000 grant to support a community program or organization of their choice and will be recognized during an upcoming U.S. Soccer National Team match.
Meet the 2025 recipient of the U.S. Soccer Social Impact Award Presented by Haleon, Kate Ward
- Kate is one of global soccer's preeminent advocates for all of disability soccer; she consistently uses her voice and involvement on committees and U.S. Soccer's Board to advocate for representation
- Kate has been the longtime captain of the U.S. Women's Deaf team, a group who has not lost a game in the team's 20 year history. They've won three DIFA World Deaf Football Championships (2012, 2016, 2023) and four Deaflympics (2005, 2009, 2013, 2022)
- Kate wasn't gifted a massive platform to use her voice like many MNT and WNT players, she instead built one through her involvement, charity work, and fulltime role as a college coach
- She also played a big role in the U.S. Women's deaf team being the first ENT to have a nationally televised game in Colorado in July 2024