FIFA and Achieve Miami Unite to Transform Education for Local Kids

Miami, Florida, USA - In a thrilling partnership that brings soccer and education together, FIFA has teamed up with Achieve Miami, a renowned non-profit organization. This collaboration is set to make a significant ripple in the lives of low-income students across Miami, aiming with great enthusiasm to address existing educational gaps in the community. The launch of this initiative took place at Lake Stevens Elementary after a pivotal meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Achieve Miami’s founder, Leslie Miller Saiontz, setting the stage for an exciting journey ahead.

Infantino expressed FIFA’s commitment to social change, inclusion, and expanding opportunities through this collaboration, which is fueled by a mission to support children aged 5-18 in underserved communities. Achieve Miami has made a remarkable impact, having served over 2,000 K-12 students across more than 60 schools in neighborhoods like Little Haiti and Overtown over the past year. This partnership aims to enhance educational programming by incorporating soccer into existing curricula, a move that surely resonates with many in the community.

Community First

At a recent Summer Field Day event hosted at Lake Stevens, over 100 local youngsters participated in games and activities, celebrating the commencement of this monumental collaboration. This exciting gathering provided an opportunity for students to engage with soccer while also understanding the educational benefits that come from it. Achieve Miami’s Brittany Addams underscored the importance of community engagement during the event, while Saiontz heralded this initiative as a remarkable boon for local youth.

The partnership is expected to last a robust three years and is set against the backdrop of heightened international soccer interest in South Florida. Inter Miami recently made headlines by defeating FC Porto 2-1 at the FIFA Club World Cup, marking a historic moment for the club. This sporting enthusiasm is sure to bolster interest in the educational programs tied to FIFA and Achieve Miami.

Investment in the Future

FIFA’s commitment to the Miami community was solidified with the opening of its Miami office in August 2024, which houses the Legal & Compliance Division. This move signifies a long-term investment in the residents of Miami, facilitating programs that promote academic growth, leadership, and personal development. The collaboration is funded by the FIFA World Football Remission Fund, which will enhance access to weekend and summer learning while fostering life skills associated with physical wellness and career exploration within the sports field.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with FIFA’s broader vision, as evidenced by the launch of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This $100 million initiative is designed to expand access to quality education and life skills programs in underserved communities globally. Each ticket sold for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will contribute a $1 donation to this fund, signaling a robust commitment to educational engagement for millions.

With plans to engage 50 million people through sport, advocacy, and entertainment by 2029, the Global Citizen Education Fund promises to create sustainable impacts. Anticipation builds as localized campaigns offer mentorship programs and community workshops, promoting holistic engagement meant to tackle dropout rates and champion lifelong learning.

There’s incredible potential in this collaboration between FIFA and Achieve Miami. As the community rallies around this effort, students in underserved neighborhoods are in for a wealth of opportunities, making for an exciting chapter in Miami’s educational landscape.