Soccer at Schools: A Communitywide Initiative
The Oakland Unified School District is deepening its collaboration with the U.S. Soccer Federation in a move that promises to reshape how soccer is woven into the daily life of Oakland classrooms.
Starting in the 2026‑27 school year, a new program called Soccer at Schools will train educators to integrate the sport into regular school hours, giving teachers the tools, resources and confidence to bring the game to their students.
The district says the effort is about more than competition; it aims to create healthier schools, stronger communities and greater opportunities for young people across the city.
The initiative is part of a nationwide U.S. Soccer program launched earlier this year with the ambition of delivering soccer opportunities to every school by 2030, a goal that aligns with growing interest in youth sport across the Bay Area.
In January 2025, OUSD entered an agreement with Soccer Without Borders to provide year‑round after‑school soccer and academic tutoring for middle and high school students at selected campuses.
The same month, an official FIFA‑standard arena opened at Montera Middle School in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood, a joint project of U.S. Soccer and local community partners that now serves as a hub for training and competition.
The program also connects Oakland students with a network of community‑based soccer offerings throughout the Bay Area, leveraging the expertise of the Oakland Athletic League and the long‑standing after‑school soccer curriculum of Oakland Genesis, which has served district schools since 2019.
Support for the effort extends to a range of Bay Area sports organizations, including the San Jose Earthquakes, Bay FC, and the Bay Area Host Committee, all of which have voiced commitments to sustain the momentum beyond the current tournament cycle.
Zaileen Janmohammed, president and chief executive officer of the Bay Area Host Committee, recently announced that the committee will transition into a permanent leadership commission, ensuring that future sports events continue to enrich Oakland’s young people for years to come.
OUSD Superintendent Denise Saddler emphasized that through Soccer at Schools, the district is working alongside partners to enhance the educational experiences of Oakland students, reinforcing the district’s commitment to holistic development.