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Partnerships

US Youth Soccer Partners with VKTRY Gear to Enhance Player Performance and Protection

FRISCO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2024) – US Youth Soccer (USYS), the largest youth sport organization in the country, has teamed up with VKTRY Gear, the industry leader in performance insoles, to enhance player performance and protection for all of its members. Together, the two aim to empower the next generation of soccer players.

US Youth Soccer players will be provided with access to VKTRY Performance Insoles — a product scientifically engineered to improve athletic performance and reduce injury risk. VKTRY’s full-length aerospace-grade carbon-fiber insoles continue to be trusted by elite athletes across multiple sports with a design that boosts energy return, improves stability, and supports optimal biomechanics.

“Our partnership with VKTRY Gear aligns with our mission of providing world-class support and resources to help every member fulfill their goals,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “VKTRY’s dedication to innovation and player protection makes them a perfect partner to benefit the 2.68 million players inside of US Youth Soccer, along with the thousands of coaches and referees.”

In addition to access to the Performance Insoles, US Youth Soccer and VKTRY Gear will further the shared goal of advancing youth soccer by offering educational initiatives, product availability at USYS events, and special offers for players and families. USYS will also work alongside VKTRY to host interactive sessions on injury protection, recovery, and performance enhancement.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with US Youth Soccer,” said VKTRY Gear CEO Steve Wasik. “Youth soccer is a critical part of developing future stars in the sport, and we are dedicated to helping these players perform at their best while staying safe. Together, we’re creating a pathway for success on and off the field.”

VKTRY Gear’s expertise and innovative products that support player performance and well-being will ensure all of USYS’ member athletes continue to be equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

– USYS –

About US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers 2.68 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.

About VKTRY Gear

VKTRY Gear is a performance-driven company revolutionizing athletic footwear with its patented VKTRY Performance Insoles. Built with aerospace-grade carbon fiber, VKTRY Insoles are trusted by athletes at all levels to improve performance, protect against injuries, and boost confidence. Learn more at www.vktry.com.

US Youth Soccer Teams Up with Social Platform WeAre8

Frisco, Texas (Aug. 14, 2024) – US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, has teamed up with WeAre8, a new social media platform that champions love over hate, making it fun and easily accessible for its community to make a collective impact.

“We believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and uplift,” said USYS CEO Skip Gilbert. “By partnering with WeAre8, we can provide our US Youth Soccer community with a healthier and safe way to share our stories on social media. We believe it’s more important than ever to protect and foster a healthier relationship with technology, and WeAre8 sets the right tone when it comes to empowering young people to drive positive change in the world.”

WeAre8 was founded by famed tech entrepreneur Zoe Kalar behind the backing and investment of partners, including BBC Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery. It is currently the only social media platform created with an ethos of fostering positive change.

In addition to having zero tolerance for hateful content by utilizing high levels of moderation via recognition software and AI, WeAre8 also stands alone by sharing its advertising revenue back with people, community groups and charities through a transformational economic model when users opt-in to watch in-feed ads.

“US Youth Soccer’s commitment to positive change through sport aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals and communities to come together, feel inspired, and make the positive change we all want to see in the world,” said WeAre8 Founder and CEO Zoe Kalar. “With our unique application of validated identity, AI infrastructure, and social feeds with no algorithms, we provide people with a ‘safe social home’ and a viable social alternative where they are seen by their friends and free to express their biggest selves, without fear. People are valued with micro-payments by every ad viewed and discover the amazing power of their values to support others. WeAre8 literally puts the power back into the hands of the people and reconnects us with communities we love.”

This partnership between US Youth Soccer and WeAre8 represents a natural alignment of values and vision. As one of the world’s leading youth sport organizations, USYS’ ability to use the power of sport as a tool for social change and empowerment will unite well with WeAre8 and its steadfast commitment to creating a like-minded community online.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, WeAre8 stands at the forefront of the new era in social media – one that prioritizes people over profit, values community over engagement, and empowers individuals to come together and make a difference.

“Whether it’s game day or spotlighting the people who make our incredible community so amazing, we will be sharing our impact on WeAre8,” Gilbert said. “Come and join us.”

–USYS–

About US Youth Soccer

US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-class support, resources, and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 2.5 million players annually. Through its programming, resources and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and one million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. US Youth Soccer connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer provides a path for every player, coach and referee offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment at every level of the game.

About WeAre8

WeAre8, founded by tech entrepreneur Zoe Kalar (formerly known as Sue Fennessy), is a revolutionary social media platform that protects people’s self-expression, values people’s time and empowers them to make a positive impact. Through its transformational economic model, WeAre8 gives back the majority of its ad revenue to its citizens, community groups, charities, creators, and planet projects. By allowing individuals to earn micro-payments for ad-views and providing them with the flexibility to pay it forward, WeAre8 is a movement towards shifting the infinite power of big tech back into the hands of the people and inspires its citizens to live their best lives off-screen. For more information, visit WeAre8.

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