Subaru Launches Gear for Good Initiative to Support Youth Soccer Ahead of 2026
Subaru of America, Inc. has taken a significant step in community engagement with its Gear for Good initiative, which aims to promote youth soccer in Philadelphia and Camden as excitement builds for the upcoming 2026 events. This initiative is not only about providing equipment, but it embodies Subaru's commitment to youth empowerment through sports. On December 5, 2025, Subaru announced its selection of five local organizations poised to benefit from this initiative: Capitolo Youth Soccer Club, Dr. Henry H. Davis School, Project Primacy, Safe-Hub Philly, and Youth Development United. Each organization has been carefully chosen based on their dedicated efforts to make soccer accessible to underserved communities.
The partnership combines the resources of Subaru, the Philadelphia Union, Leveling the Playing Field, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to enhance the lives of local youth through sport. The selected local organizations will receive brand-new soccer gear tailored specifically to their needs. Subaru Gear for Good not only collects and redistributes new and gently used soccer equipment but specifically targets high-needs communities in the Greater Philadelphia area and Camden, NJ.
In a show of solidarity and enthusiasm for this mission, Subaru hosted an event in July 2025 at the Leveling the Playing Field warehouse in Philadelphia to kick off the initiative. Volunteers, including Philadelphia Union defender Frankie Westfield, gathered to sort and organize donations, laying the groundwork for future contributions that would help countless children experience the joy of soccer. Furthermore, Subaru has provided collection bins at 22 regional locations—five new sites alongside existing donation boxes at 17 Subaru retailers and Subaru Park, the home of the Philadelphia Union.
The Subaru Gear for Good initiative aims to collect at least 2,026 pieces of soccer equipment by April 3, 2026, ensuring that children have access to the gear they need to enjoy and excel in the sport. Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used items such as cleats, soccer balls, shin guards, and goalie gloves. As an incentive, those who contribute to the cause will have a chance to win exciting prizes, including a trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend.
Subaru’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Alan Bethke, stated, "At Subaru, we believe in showing up for our communities in ways that truly matter. These organizations are already doing powerful work to support kids through the game of soccer, and we're proud that Subaru Gear for Good will help deepen that impact, especially as we head into 2026. Every piece of equipment collected and donated brings us closer to breaking down barriers and making the game more accessible for all."
The selected organizations each play a pivotal role in impacting their communities through soccer:
1. Capitolo Youth Soccer Club (CYSC): Focused on instilling values like sportsmanship and community engagement, CYSC creates an environment where children can learn without fear of judgment, encouraging creativity and personal growth.
2. Dr. Henry H. Davis School: Named after a renowned Camden physician, the school supports approximately 475 students from Pre-K through 8th grade, embodying the spirit of community improvement through education and health.
3. Project Primacy: A non-profit targeting youth soccer for marginalized communities, they focus on mentorship and providing access to sports initiatives like free clinics.
4. Safe-Hub Philly: Creating supportive spaces for youth, this organization focuses on personal growth through soccer and offers a variety of programs that address health, education, and employment.
5. Youth Development United: This organization highlights extracurricular opportunities for children in underserved communities, promoting wellness, mentorship, and developmental opportunities through sports.
Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, noted the significance of such initiatives saying, "Every day, we see how access to sports can open doors—building confidence, community, and dreams for the future. As we prepare for the world stage in 2026, this initiative underscores Philadelphia's commitment to giving every young person a chance to truly see themselves in the game."
With a shared vision to foster accessible sports for children, Subaru, alongside its partners, is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for countless youth through soccer. For more information on the Subaru Gear for Good initiative or to learn how to donate, check the details at philadelphiaunion.com/SubaruGearforGood.