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Expanding Youth Soccer Access with Henkel and U.S. Soccer

During this festive season, Henkel is proudly joining hands with U.S. Soccer to create impactful opportunities in local communities, especially for youth. Their aim is to boost participation in soccer among younger generations, enrich their experiences, and encourage a sense of community and teamwork.

A Vision for Youth Empowerment

Henkel North America, known for its household and industrial brands like Dial®, Persil®, and Loctite®, is dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive soccer experiences. Jennifer Schiavone, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Henkel, expressed the organization’s excitement about collaborating with U.S. Soccer to empower young athletes. The partnership's essence revolves around providing mentorship, equipment, and community support, showcasing true teamwork.

Youth Clinics: Learning and Growing Together

This autumn, Henkel organized three youth clinics in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Stamford, Connecticut, and Tampa, Florida. These events catered to hundreds of young players, providing a full day of coaching, physical activities, and inspiration from both AYSO coaches and Henkel volunteers. They aimed to instill confidence and teamwork in every child, regardless of their skill level.

Participants left with new soccer balls, T-shirts, and gift bags filled with Henkel household products, reinforcing the message that sports contribute to growth not only physically but also academically and socially.

Dan Howald, Senior Director at AYSO, described the clinics as the starting point for a promising partnership with Henkel, paving the way for more opportunities to engage children from all backgrounds with the joy of soccer.

Community Equipment Drives: Building a Bridge to Participation

In addition to clinics, Henkel also successfully held equipment drives in Chester, Pennsylvania, and Orlando, Florida. In collaboration with organizations like Leveling the Playing Field and Sports 4 the Kids, these drives encouraged families to donate gently used soccer gear. This initiative illustrates the importance of community involvement and how collective efforts can help more children access sports.

Bridging School and Sport

Henkel’s commitment to youth extends into classrooms as well. As part of the Dial® Clean Sheet program, the company donates funds based on the clean sheets (games where no opposing goals are scored) achieved by the U.S. Senior National Team. This unique initiative has led to significant contributions, including $100,000 directed towards classrooms nationwide, ultimately enriching educational resources for students.

Over 339 schools received support, funding items essential for sports, nutrition, and educational materials. This demonstrates Henkel's holistic approach to community engagement and youth empowerment, transcending mere sports participation.

A Continued Commitment

These collective efforts encapsulate the spirit of giving and underline the collaborative strength of organizations committed to positive change. Henkel looks forward to its partnership with U.S. Soccer, aiming to inspire and engage more young people in soccer while enriching their communities and fostering connections.

As the excitement builds for 2026, Henkel and U.S. Soccer remain dedicated to amplifying their shared mission of accessible, inclusive soccer experiences across America. By celebrating both achievements and community impact, they are laying the foundation for lasting social change in youth sports participation.

For more information about Henkel’s initiatives within North America, please visit Henkel North America.