Through this partnership, US Club Soccer and Nike are also investing in coach education, recognizing that effective coach development exponentially benefits youth athletes on and off the field. This is consistent with US Club Soccer’s Players First philosophy, which guides the organization to create a holistically supportive environment for players. To achieve this, we must also develop and support coaches, referees, parents and clubs. Nike hosted the Players First launch event at Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon in 2015.

“We’re grateful to have such a supportive and invested partner in Nike,” said Mike Cullina, US Club Soccer CEO. “They’ve been a part of, and have contributed to, so many milestones in our organization for more than 20 years. To have alignment with Nike in American soccer, from the grassroots level with US Club Soccer and ECNL, to the youth national teams and senior national teams of U.S. Soccer is really special. We look forward to many more years serving the game together.”

“Nike remains committed to investing in new pipelines and opportunities for the next generation of soccer players,” said Nuno Silva, VP/GM of Nike Soccer North America. “Continuing our partnership with US Club Soccer gives us a chance to keep serving up the best of Nike Soccer through product innovation, inspiration and access, and empower the future of soccer together.”