South Bronx United’s mission is to use soccer as a tool for social change. We aim to help youth build character, teamwork, and leadership so that they can succeed in high school, college, careers, the greater community, and beyond. We strive to promote educational achievement, health and wellness, and character development through activities on and off the soccer field and to unite a diverse group of individuals and an incredibly diverse community toward common positive goals.

South Bronx United (SBU) leverages the passion that immigrant, first-generation, and at-risk youth have for soccer to improve educational and health outcomes. Within the Bronx’s large immigrant community, the sport allows SBU to reach across cultures, languages, and generations to help young people maintain physical and mental health, achieve academic success, prepare for college, and earn a degree. Today, the organization serves more than 1,800 girls, boys, and their families, with programs and services operating year-round.

Since 2022, South Bronx United has partnered with NJ/NY Gotham FC and its official supporters’ group Cloud 9 in the Play Proud initiative—Common Goal’s LGBTQ+ and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion educational program. SBU staff receive training, resources, and support alongside Gotham FC and Cloud 9 representatives to develop inclusive policies and practices. Throughout the school year, SBU Academy student-athletes engage in important discussions and activities, culminating in our annual Pride Cup. We continue to work together to understand and break down barriers within our game and our community to make the game more inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth.