Interactive and experiential, Switch the Pitch is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for coaches and youth players to take action to make the game and the world more inclusive and equitable for all.
An anti-racism themed curriculum with 36 “Challenges” designed for coaches to implement with their players on the field, with the goal of sparking discussion and building positive, inclusive team culture. Learn more>>
A virtual social impact “League” in which teams across the country earn points and prizes for completing Team Challenges, joining a collective movement at the grassroots level of soccer in the United States.
An “Inclusive Coaching Best Practices and Anti-Racism Content Overview” Training Series designed to share essential information about positive youth development and equip coaches with the tools, skills and information needed to build an inclusive, anti-racist team culture. Learn more>>
"Switch the Pitch is a much-needed initiative in the soccer space to help create a more inclusive and anti-racist environment for players of all ages. Its action-oriented approach to educating players and coaches across the youth game is going to revolutionize the way we learn to combat racism in our sport.”
-Naomi Girma, Defender for San Diego Wave FC and USWNT
"The Switch the Pitch training activities and team discussions will be a great addition to practices because they provide players with tangible examples of how the game they love extends past the final whistle. I'm looking forward to using these activities to bring us closer as a team."
-Matt Doyle, High School Counselor and Coach, Denver, Colorado
"It's so exciting to see two organizations I love, the Chicago Fire and Common Goal, support a collective movement to make youth soccer a more inclusive space. Switch the Pitch is a great opportunity for clubs and coaches to come together in a spirit of action and collaboration."
-Evan Dylan Whitfield, VP of Equity and Alumni Relations, Chicago Fire FC
"Switch the Pitch is an initiative that is sorely needed in soccer, and I know it's going to help create more inclusive spaces for everyone. To create an anti-racist environment, you have to learn, re-learn, unlearn, and take action. Switch the Pitch does all of that, and to educate players and coaches in the youth ranks will help us form the more inclusive sport that we seek."
-Donald Wine II, AO National Board, In Stadium Chair/Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair
