U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson to Receive Soccer For Good Award at South Bronx United’s 15th Annual Benefit
Bronx, NY – October 17, 2025 – South Bronx United announced today that it will honor JT Batson, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation, as the recipient of its Soccer for Good Award at the organization’s 15th Annual Benefit. The event will take place on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan.
The Soccer for Good Award recognizes individuals who leverage the power of the sport to promote community cohesion, dignity, and opportunity, and uplifting lives through soccer.
Since becoming CEO and Secretary General of U.S. Soccer in September 2022, Batson has championed a strategy centered on being “in service to soccer.” His leadership has focused on deepening transparency, strengthening relationships across the game, and increasing support for local soccer organizations nationwide.
Under Batson’s tenure, U.S. Soccer launched The U.S. Way, a long-term strategy to enable development and excellence at all levels of the sport, and introduced the Soccer Forward Foundation, the Federation’s social impact arm and legacy initiative for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Through Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer is investing in programs that expand access and harness the game as a driver of health, belonging, and opportunity across communities.
South Bronx United and U.S. Soccer partnered earlier this year to co-host the Youth Leaders Summit, convening young changemakers from across the country. In the year ahead, the Soccer Forward Foundation will continue to support local initiatives in the South Bronx and beyond.
Said Mr. Batson, “At U.S. Soccer, we believe soccer is a force for good and we want to make sure every child has the chance to play, grow, and find community through the game we love. That commitment comes to life through inspiring partners like South Bronx United; an organization that proves how soccer can open doors to opportunity and strengthen entire communities. Through our Soccer Forward initiative, we’re proud to support and learn from leaders who are bringing change to life on the ground, every day. Being recognized alongside them is both an honor and a reminder of the shared work we’re doing to grow the game in every corner of the country.”
South Bronx United’s 15th Annual Benefit is expected to welcome more than 300 guests while raising crucial funds to sustain the organization’s award-winning programs and services for youth and families. South Bronx United will also recognize Maria Martinez as the 2025 Alumni Honoree, and the evening’s program will include an update from Executive Director Andrew So. Luis Miguel Echegaray, former ESPN, CBS Sports, and Sports Illustrated analyst and journalist, will host the evening. Other special guests expected to be in attendance include Matt Freese, goalkeeper for the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team, New York City FC teammates Kevin O’Toole and Prince Amponsah (also an SBU Academy alumnus), and Mandy Freeman of NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Since 2009, South Bronx United has used soccer as a tool for social change, aiming to help youth build character, teamwork, and leadership so that they can succeed in high school, college, careers, their community, and beyond. Its programs reach more than 1,900 youth and families every year through community soccer, immigration legal services, workforce development, academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, and overall youth development. The nonprofit was recognized with the Sports for Good Award at the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards in Berlin, Germany and has received other accolades for its community impact.
Visit www.celebratesbu.com to learn more about the 15th Annual Benefit and how to attend or support. For more information about South Bronx United and its programs and services, visit www.southbronxunited.org.
# # #
Press Contact:
Joshua Guerra
Communications Manager
South Bronx United
(718) 404-9281
benefit@southbronxunited.org