As a lifelong soccer fan, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba has seen how having a place to play can bring people together and positively impact communities in ways that build bridges. The UAE has worked with local partners like Boys & Girls Clubs and Major League Soccer teams to build 12 soccer fields in underserved communities across the US. To date, the UAE has supported fields in Boston, New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Cleveland, Atlantic City and Asbury Park, NJ, and Washington, DC.
Thousands of kids play on these all-weather fields every week, with community partners providing ongoing sports and fitness programs. The fields provide safe environments for children to stay healthy and learn lifelong teamwork skills.
UAE soccer teams have also pitched in to provide training to kids. When the UAE women’s national soccer team visited the US for training, coaches and players provided free clinics with local soccer organizations for kids in Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
