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Subaru Expands Gear for Good Initiative

Subaru of America has unveiled an exciting expansion of its Gear for Good initiative, designed to enhance access to soccer in underserved communities, particularly around Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. This extension coincides with National Soccer Day, showcasing Subaru's commitment to community engagement and youth development through sports.

The initiative aims to collect new and gently used soccer equipment, allowing children from high-needs areas to participate in the world's most beloved sport. The campaign officially launches as Philadelphia is set to welcome significant soccer matches in 2026, thereby fostering a deeper connection to the sport among local youth.

In collaboration with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union and the non-profit organization Leveling the Playing Field, Subaru aspires to collect an impressive 2,026 pieces of soccer gear. These items will be redistributed to community programs in conjunction with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, ensuring that local youth sports teams have the necessary equipment to thrive.

One of the significant aspects of the Gear for Good initiative is the installation of official collection bins at five newly designated locations throughout Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, in addition to 17 existing bins located at Subaru retailers and Subaru Park, the home ground for the Philadelphia Union. Receiving new or gently used items will make a real difference, especially in providing children with the essential gear, such as cleats, soccer balls, shin guards, and goalie gloves.

As part of the initiative's launch, Subaru, in partnership with the Philadelphia Union, will host an employee volunteer day at the Leveling the Playing Field warehouse. This event will involve sorting through donated gear collected from Subaru Park and other drop-off locations, ultimately creating space for new contributions. The involvement of Union defender Frankie Westfield is noteworthy as he brings personal experience to the initiative, sharing how soccer influenced his life and inspired him to pursue a career in the sport.

Frankie stated, "Soccer has the power to unite communities, inspire individuals, and bring people together around the world. I'm proud to join Subaru and represent the Philadelphia Union in support of this initiative, helping make the game more accessible for families and giving more kids the chance to play, just like I did."

The community is invited to join the cause by donating gently used soccer gear. Those who participate will also be entered into a sweepstakes for various prizes, including an exciting grand prize trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend, making this initiative not only impactful but also rewarding for contributors. The Gear for Good initiative aims to support over 100 unique youth programs in the area, broadening children's access to sports and encouraging them to remain active and involved in the game.

Donations will be accepted until April 3, 2026, with contributions aimed at easing the equipment burden for young athletes. Any surplus items will be allocated to further beneficiary programs during the distribution period, ensuring that the initiative reaches as many young players as possible.

The Subaru Gear for Good initiative exemplifies Subaru's commitment to community welfare and the belief that sports, especially soccer, can open doors and forge meaningful connections among individuals and communities. This expansion underscores Subaru’s role as more than a car company, reinforcing their dedication to making a genuine difference in people's lives—one soccer cleat at a time.

About Subaru of America

Headquartered in Camden, N.J., Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation in Japan. Through a network of approximately 640 retailers, Subaru markets and distributes vehicles in the U.S. The company is recognized for its commitment to customer and community engagement, reflected in its extensive corporate social responsibility initiatives.

About Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union is a professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS), known for its innovative approach and community focus. Established in 2010, the Union has gained a loyal following and has made significant achievements in the league, exemplifying the passion for soccer within the community.

About Leveling the Playing Field

Founded in 2013, Leveling the Playing Field is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing equity and access in youth sports by redistributing essential athletic gear to under-resourced communities. By addressing the high costs of sporting goods, LPF enables more children to participate in sports and benefit from the opportunities they provide.