Play Collective

Description

1) Objective

The Play Collective initiative, developed as part of the adidas Foundation’s Playing for Purpose program, is a project born to maximize the impact of the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico by supporting organizations that work towards equitable access to youth sport across North America.

Through a strategic partnership between the adidas Foundation, Beyond Sport, and Common Goal, the initiative will work with grassroots sport organizations located across each of the tournament’s host cities. These organizations will be supported to strengthen their delivery of inclusive, youth-focused sport programming for young people from underserved communities.

2) Eligibility

Organizations must be: (1) Legally registered, politically and religiously independent non-profit organizations with at least two years of experience delivering youth programming; (2) Based within 50 miles (or 80.5 km) of a World Cup 2026 stadium; (3) Able to commit to a three-year partnership, including MEAL (monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning) processes and active participation in the Community of Practice; (4) Including soccer within the funded programming; (5) Able to demonstrate strong safeguarding and sound governance at both organizational and program levels.

3) Location

Actions must take place in United States, Canada and Mexico.

4) Budget

Selected organizations may request up to $180,000 over three years and will participate in a structured Community of Practice to strengthen institutional capacity, deepen inclusive practice and contribute to collective learning.

5) Application

The application deadline is 22 March 2026, 11:59 PM PST.