Hyundai's Commitment to Soccer and Community
Hyundai, a key partner for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup™, is taking a proactive approach to empower youth across the United States by launching a series of local soccer camps. Kicking off this April, these camps will take place in major cities including Atlanta, Miami, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, and they will be graced by American soccer icons like Mia Hamm and Tim Howard. This initiative is not just about improving skills on the field; it embodies Hyundai's campaign slogan, "Next Starts Now," by recognizing and nurturing the potential of the next generation.
In an effort to create unforgettable experiences, these youth camps are designed to provide world-class soccer training infused with confidence-building exercises and engaging activities tied to the Hyundai brand. Sean Gilpin, Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor America, stated, "At Hyundai, we don't wait for the future; we bring it to life today. By collaborating with legends such as Mia Hamm and Tim Howard, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for young players and foster the leaders who will shape the sport for years to come."
Mia Hamm, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, expressed her enthusiasm: "Soccer taught me that greatness isn't about waiting for your moment; it is about seizing it. These young athletes are doing exactly that. Hyundai recognizes that the future is built on opportunity, confidence, and belief. These camps encompass more than just drills; they are about inspiring the next generation of leaders on and off the field."
Tim Howard, legendary U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper, echoed similar sentiments: "My career has been defined by passion, determination, and believing in what’s possible. Every time I step onto the field with young players, I see that same fire in them. Hyundai's involvement in these communities transcends sponsorship; it is a genuine commitment to the future of the game, and I'm proud to be a part of it."
The youth camps are structured to include both morning and afternoon sessions that focus on developing fundamental soccer skills while promoting teamwork, confidence, and leadership among participants aged 6-12. Parents and guardians will be invited to explore Hyundai’s latest range of vehicles through an interactive ride-and-drive experience, with a chance to win tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Additionally, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood cancer, will bring local cancer survivors to each camp, reaffirming Hyundai’s ongoing commitment to community welfare. Since its inception in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has made strides in pediatric cancer research, surpassing $303 million in contributions.
Here are the dates and locations for the upcoming camps:
- - Atlanta | Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Mud Creek Sports Complex | Tim Howard
- - Miami | Saturday, April 18, 2026 | Baptist Health Community Field | Mia Hamm
- - New Jersey | Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Capelli Sports Complex | Tim Howard
- - Los Angeles | Saturday, May 30, 2026 | Dignity Health Sports Park – Field #5 | Mia Hamm
Hyundai Motor America continues to offer an extensive lineup of advanced vehicles while supporting its overarching vision of Progress for Humanity. With significant operations across the U.S., including headquarters in California and a high-tech Metaplant in Alabama, Hyundai is set to invest approximately $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For the latest updates, visit
www.hyundainews.com.