A Program With Purpose
Best Western Hotels & Resorts and the United Soccer League have teamed up for the second edition of their Hometown Heroes program, a initiative that shines a light on people who harness the power of soccer to drive positive change in their neighborhoods.
This year’s cohort of finalists spans the country, from the desert streets of Phoenix to the bustling avenues of New York, each bringing a unique vision of how the beautiful game can uplift youth, foster inclusion and spark community development.
Among them, Rachel Jolly of Tampa Bay leads free youth soccer clinics through the Tampa Bay Sun Foundation, while Haley Briskey works to make affordable soccer programming accessible in lower‑income and ethnically diverse neighborhoods.
Nil Vinyals, co‑founder of the Inspire Soccer League, provides a national competitive platform for athletes with intellectual impairments, and Hannah Davison volunteers with hospitals, homelessness shelters and domestic‑violence shelters, using soccer as a conduit for support.
Sandra Navarro Davalos blends youth coaching with cultural arts, organizing clinics and neighborhood projects that celebrate local heritage, and Josh Keller, though not detailed in the release, is recognized for his behind‑the‑scenes contributions.
Building on Inaugural Success
The program builds on the momentum of its inaugural year, when Detroit City FC’s Maxwell Murray expanded his Urban Football League, delivering fresh food, resources and mentorship to families across Detroit.
Murray’s effort illustrates how soccer can be a vehicle for broader social impact, linking sport with education, nutrition and scholarship opportunities for the city’s next generation.
The finalists will be celebrated at an upcoming ceremony, with the program’s partners highlighting the tangible differences these community leaders have already made.