WHAT:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and the Sporting JAX Foundation will host Soccer Forward Fest, a day-long celebration of soccer, community, and youth development inspired by the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The event will bring together local youth for a soccer skills clinic, friendly tournament competition, cultural programming, and a World Cup watch party. Participants will learn soccer fundamentals, compete in team play, enjoy lunch, and gather to watch one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
The day will also include a brief history lesson and performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” recognizing the role sports can play in bringing communities together.
During the event, organizers will highlight the Sporting JAX Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to soccer by providing Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida students, families, and staff opportunities to attend Sporting JAX home matches.
Through the partnership, every Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida member receives access to Sporting JAX home matches, ensuring local youth can experience professional soccer firsthand and further strengthening connections between the club and the community.
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
10:00 a.m. – Soccer skills clinic and youth activities
11:30 a.m. – Tournament competition
12:15 p.m. – Partnership remarks and community announcement
1:00 p.m. – FIFA World Cup Round of 32 Watch Party
WHERE:
Brentwood Park Boys & Girls Club
555 W. 25th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32209
WHO:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida youth and families
- Sporting JAX Foundation representatives
- Community leaders and supporters
- Local soccer coaches and volunteers
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
- Youth participating in soccer drills and skills training
- Friendly tournament competition
- Group activities and community celebration
- Performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
- World Cup watch party featuring hundreds of local youth
- Partnership announcement highlighting expanded access to soccer opportunities
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida
For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida has enabled young people to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The organization operates 59 Clubs across Alachua, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties, including 13 community-based Clubs, 40 school-based sites, and 6 park locations. These Clubs serve more than 18,000 registered young people, with an additional 53,855 youth reached through community outreach.
Boys & Girls Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs during critical non-school hours and during the summer. Club programs promote five core areas: Character & Leadership, Education & Workforce Readiness, the Arts, Health & Wellness, and Sports & Recreation. Learn more at bgcnf.org.
About Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX)
Sporting Club Jacksonville, or “Sporting JAX,” was established in 2020 by a passionate group of Jacksonville-based owners and is driven by a bold vision to elevate the area’s soccer scene and “Lift Every Voice,” the club’s motto. Named in collaboration with the First Coast community in 2023, the club fields a women’s professional team in the Gainbridge Super League, which reached the playoffs in its inaugural season, and a men’s professional team in the USL Championship. Sporting JAX will also spearhead the development of a 15,000-capacity community stadium and training facilities, positioning the First Coast as the new premier destination for soccer excellence. For more information, visit www.sportingjax.com.
