Henkel Recognizes Young Soccer Stars for 2025
Henkel, an official partner of U.S. Soccer, proudly announced Benjamin Cremaschi and Lilly Reale as the recipients of the prestigious 2025 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year Award. This honor, which acknowledges the remarkable achievements and influence of young athletes in the sport, also marks a significant milestone as it includes a charitable donation of $20,000 to various organizations selected by the award winners.
Benjamin Cremaschi has been awarded the title of Young Male Player of the Year, while Lilly Reale has earned the title of Young Female Player of the Year. Their selection is not merely based on their athletic performance but also on their leadership and positive impact within their communities throughout the 2025 season. The awardees were chosen through a combination of votes from U.S. Soccer representatives, a panel of national media, and fans' votes at the end of the season.
In a statement, Stephanie Bates, the Vice President of Partnership Marketing at U.S. Soccer, expressed their excitement about these young players' recognition: "We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of this year's Young Male and Female Player of the Year award winners. These athletes represent the future of our sport, and their achievements reflect the passion and commitment that drive U.S. Soccer forward."
Henkel's immediate commitment goes beyond just the awards. They will make a $10,000 donation in Cremaschi's name to the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), an organization focused on research and treatment for this genetic disorder. Meanwhile, Reale has chosen to direct her $10,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, an organization dedicated to providing youth with opportunities to discover their passions and prepare for successful futures.
Jennifer Schiavone, Henkel's Vice President of Corporate Communications for the Americas, highlighted their support for young athletes: "We are honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Young Player of the Year Award as part of our commitment to grow the game for future generations. We congratulate Benjamin and Lilly on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate the example they set for young athletes everywhere."
Henkel's sponsorship of the Young Player of the Year Award is part of a broader multi-year agreement with U.S. Soccer aimed at enhancing access to soccer in communities across the United States. This includes initiatives to create moments of unity, inclusivity, and opportunity for youth. Henkel is also collaborating with U.S. Soccer and the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) to increase accessibility through free youth clinics and community equipment drives, alongside the Dial® Clean Sheet program supporting educational initiatives nationwide.
As the official governing body of soccer in the USA since 1913, U.S. Soccer is committed to the growth of the sport through various pillars aimed at increasing participation, ensuring quality coaching, developing successful teams, and fostering a successful soccer economy. The efforts revolve around ensuring a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all players.
Overall, Benjamin Cremaschi and Lilly Reale are not just remarkable athletes; they embody the spirit and future of soccer in the U.S., and their recognition shines a light on the positive influence that sports can have in our communities, especially when paired with charitable initiatives that support vital causes.
For more information about U.S. Soccer, you can visit
ussoccer.com/ourvision. You can also learn more about Henkel's commitment to both sports and community development by visiting
henkel-northamerica.com.