How MLS GO Play Fund is Bringing Soccer to Communities
For many children across the country, soccer is more than a game—it’s a gateway to friendships, teamwork, and a healthier lifestyle. But for some, economic barriers can stand in the way of getting onto the field. That’s where MLS GO Play Fund steps in, helping make soccer accessible to everyone—no matter their financial situation.
What is MLS GO Play Fund?
MLS GO Play Fund is an initiative from Major League Soccer (MLS), designed to expand access to youth soccer through MLS GO leagues. By offering financial support to both league operators and individual players, this fund helps break down the economic barriers that prevent many children from playing the sport they love.
The fund is administered through the RCX Sports Foundation and offers two types of grants:
- Organization Grants: To assist MLS GO League operators with program costs, helping leagues thrive and expand within their communities
- Individual Grants: To help cover participation fees for young players who may not otherwise be able to afford them.
Real Stories, Real Change
In its first year, MLS GO Play Fund is already making a huge impact. Take Brownsville, TX, for example, where the grant has enabled 150 kids in PlaySoccerBTX to participate in soccer for free. Or consider Washington, DC, where the “Kids Run This Town” program used their grant to purchase new equipment and provide scholarships, drastically reducing the cost of participation and making soccer available to more children than ever before.
“If there is an economic barrier for you to participate in soccer, we’re trying to do everything we can to reduce that, and in the case of the Go Play Fund, eliminate it altogether,” said Sola Winley, MLS Executive Vice President and Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer.
Join the Journey
If you’re interested in applying for the MLS GO Play Fund, or learning more about how you can support this initiative, visit the RCX Sports Foundation website for more information. Together, we’re building a future where soccer fields are accessible to all, and no child is left on the sidelines.
