U.S. Soccer will proudly celebrate this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign, Presented by Volkswagen, on December 1
#GivingTuesday is an annual global event on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, reminding people to donate to support causes they care about. Established in 2012, today hundreds of millions of people and organizations around the world participate in this special day of generosity and giving.
U.S. Soccer is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and receives no government funding. The Federation relies on our partners and supporters to develop resources that will drive this game forward and fund activities for our 22 National Teams competing on the international stage, as well as for education and resources for hundreds of thousands of coaches and referees, and programs that impact millions of players.
It takes a community to make a difference. For this year’s #GivingTuesday, U.S. Soccer is proud to collaborate with Volkswagen, Presenting Partner of U.S. Soccer, to grow support for the Federation and work toward a shared goal of providing equal access and inclusion for all players, coaches, fans and referees. In a year full of challenging circumstances and hard times for many, Volkswagen is doing more to help Americans Drive Bigger™.
As part of U.S. Soccer’s #GivingTuesday campaign, Presented by Volkswagen, Volkswagen will be directing $15,000 of its U.S. Soccer sponsorship to The Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund. VW invites U.S. Soccer supporters to join this philanthropic movement to empower and advance female coaches by making a contribution at www.ussoccer.com/jillellisscholarship.
U.S. Soccer partner Visa will join the efforts and contribute $10,000 to the Jill Ellis Scholarship for #GivingTuesday. Visa is committed to shifting the paradigm of gender inequality in sports and beyond by investing in the development of women’s soccer and programs that inspire more women to achieve their dreams – on and off the field. The company believes that women should be represented at every level and is proud to help create opportunities for the next generation of female coaches.
The U.S. Soccer Board of Directors established the Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund to honor the former U.S. Women’s National Team head coach and her extraordinary impact on the sport as a two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion.
The scholarship launched in October 2020 and brings to life Ellis’ demonstrated passion for supporting professional female coaches. The ongoing endowment fund will provide 50% of the tuition costs (which includes in-person meetings, accommodations & meals, instructor time and materials) for any woman taking the USSF Pro, “A” and “B” License courses.
The financial aid works alongside other U.S. Soccer diversity coaching education initiatives, including the SheChampions mentorship program, which will provide hands-on support for female coaching candidates and build a community of female coaches and allies to drive opportunity.
Together with Volkswagen and Visa, donors can help inspire and support the next wave of great female coaches and assist U.S. Soccer in achieving its goal of doubling the number of elite professional female coaches by 2024.
As part of #GivingTuesday, Volkswagen will additionally be supporting its 10 Team VW brand ambassadors, made up of Women’s National Team and Men’s National Team players, with $10,000 going to a U.S.-based charity selected by each athlete. Together with its support to U.S. Soccer’s Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund, Volkswagen will direct $115,000 of its U.S. Soccer sponsorship to aid communities and help support soccer in America.
U.S. Soccer supporters are encouraged to join the efforts to create a culture shift in the coaching industry and help grow the sport by investing in and supporting more female coaches.
Donate today at www.ussoccer.com/jillellisscholarship to help erode financial barriers for women participating in higher coaching education, empower and advance the current generation of world-class female coaches, and inspire the next generation of female players and coaches through critical representation and these first-of-their kind programs.
Learn more at https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/10/us-soccer-announces-the-jill-ellis-scholarship-fund-and-shechampions-mentorship-program.
As a nonprofit, U.S. Soccer is actively supported by donors with a range of program areas. The Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund is just one U.S. Soccer program for which donors can have a meaningful impact through their contribution. The U.S. Soccer Development Fund is the Federation’s core annual fund, supporting programs to develop world-class players, more and better coaches and referees, and National teams to inspire us all. Depending on donation levels to an elite Circle, donors can enjoy unique benefits through their gift. Learn more at www.ussoccer.com/circles.
For questions about the Jill Ellis Scholarship Fund or Development Fund, contact fund@ussoccer.org.