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Subaru's Gear For Good Initiative Expands Access To Soccer Gear For Youth In Philadelphia
Subaru of America, Inc. has expanded its Subaru: Gear for Good initiative to enhance soccer access for youth in Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. Collaborating with the Philadelphia Union, Leveling the Playing Field, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, the automaker aims to collect and redistribute new and gently used soccer gear to high-needs communities. This effort aligns with Subaru's commitment to community and youth development.
Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Subaru of America, stated, "Every child deserves the chance to play, and sometimes all that stands in the way is the need for a pair of cleats. This initiative is rooted in the belief that access to sports can open doors, build confidence, and create lasting connections. 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."
Subaru's collaboration with Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union and non-profit Leveling the Playing Field aims to gather at least 2,026 pieces of soccer equipment. These items will be distributed through local programs managed by Leveling the Playing Field and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. The recipient groups will be announced in December 2025 during the international tournament's group stage draw.
To kick off this expanded initiative, Subaru and the Philadelphia Union will host an employee volunteer day at Leveling the Playing Field’s warehouse in Philadelphia. Volunteers will sort through donated sports gear collected from various drop-off locations. Union defender Frankie Westfield will join this event, sharing his personal connection to soccer from his youth experiences in Northeast Philadelphia.
The initiative encourages community members across Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey to donate new or gently used soccer gear. Participants have a chance to win prizes, including a grand prize trip to the 2026 MLS All-Star Weekend. The Gear for Good Sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents aged 18 or older within a seventy-five-mile radius of Subaru Park.
Frankie Westfield expressed his support by saying, "Soccer has the power to unite communities, inspire individuals, and bring people together around the world. 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."
Donation Bins Across Regions
Official collection bins for Subaru: Gear for Good will be placed at five new locations throughout Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. These complement existing donation bins at 17 local Subaru retailers and Subaru Park. Donations are accepted until April 3, 2026, including items like cleats, soccer balls, shin guards, goalie gloves adhering to Leveling the Playing Field standards.
This campaign aims to provide donated soccer equipment to over 100 unique youth programs. While not all donations will go to every organization equally, any surplus will be shared with additional programs during distribution.
About Key Partners
Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) is dedicated to expanding access in youth sports by redistributing sports equipment to under-resourced communities since 2013. LPF collects donations through community networks and volunteers before supplying them to schools and organizations across various regions.
The Philadelphia Union is a professional soccer club competing in Major League Soccer (MLS). Established in 2010 as part of Philadelphia’s major league sports teams, it has reached several finals including its first MLS Cup Final in 2022.
Subaru of America markets vehicles through about 640 U.S. retailers from its Camden headquarters. Guided by its Love Promise vision supporting communities nationwide over two decades with $340 million donations alongside extensive volunteer work.
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