PHILADELPHIA, PA — Subaru of America, Inc. is stepping up its commitment to youth and community development with an expanded push to provide soccer gear to underserved neighborhoods across Philadelphia and its hometown of Camden, New Jersey. The initiative, part of the company’s ongoing Subaru: Gear for Good campaign, aims to collect and redistribute at least 2,026 pieces of soccer equipment in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The expanded campaign leverages Subaru’s partnerships with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and youth sports nonprofit Leveling the Playing Field to ensure donated cleats, soccer balls, shin guards, goalie gloves, and other gear reach youth who may otherwise be unable to afford it. Items will be distributed in collaboration with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to more than 100 local youth sports programs.
“As the excitement for the world’s most popular sport focuses in on our region, this is one way we’re helping to strengthen the communities we call home,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America. “Every child deserves the chance to play, and sometimes all that stands in the way is the need for a pair of cleats.”
The announcement comes as Philadelphia prepares to host several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Subaru is using the moment to galvanize community support around youth sports access, with collection bins now available at 17 area Subaru retailers, Subaru Park, and five newly added regional locations. Donations will be accepted through April 3, 2026.
To launch the expanded drive, Subaru and the Philadelphia Union will host a volunteer day at Leveling the Playing Field’s warehouse in Philadelphia. Employees and volunteers—including Union defender Frankie Westfield, who grew up playing soccer in Northeast Philadelphia—will help sort gear donations. Westfield, now a rising talent in MLS, will lend his personal story to raise awareness and inspire local engagement.
“Soccer has the power to unite communities, inspire individuals, and bring people together around the world,” said Westfield. “I’m proud to join Subaru and represent the Philadelphia Union in support of this initiative, helping make the game more accessible for families and giving more kids the chance to play, just like I did.”
To further support the campaign, Subaru will hold a National Soccer Day employee gear drive on July 28 at its Camden headquarters. Meanwhile, the public is invited to participate in the Gear for Good Sweepstakes, where donors can win prizes, including a grand prize trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. Eligibility is limited to legal U.S. residents age 18 and over who live within a 75-mile radius of Subaru Park.
Recipient organizations will be announced in December 2025, coinciding with the group stage draw for the international tournament. Any surplus gear not allocated to primary recipients will be distributed to additional youth programs in the region.
The campaign reinforces Subaru’s broader mission to foster equity in youth sports, leveraging a high-profile moment in international soccer to create lasting local impact.
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