Bank of America is expanding its Sports with Us platform globally through a new sports and skills initiative that aims to impact more than 10,000 young people worldwide by the end of 2028, the bank announced on June 11.
The initiative will support young people aged 11–24 from disadvantaged or underserved communities, combining sport-based activities with structured learning focused on six core life skills: leadership, teamwork, communication, wellbeing, nutrition, and financial education.
Delivery will span 14 countries, including FIFA World Cup 2026™ host countries Canada and Mexico, alongside the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Colombia, South Africa, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and India. Each partner organization will deliver locally tailored programs within a shared global framework supported by Bank of America, with modules developed in collaboration with leading global universities and educational institutions.
Bernard Mensah, President of International at Bank of America, said: “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and open doors to opportunity. Through Sports with Us and with our position as the Official Bank Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026™, we have an opportunity to create an impact that lasts well beyond the final whistle. This initiative harnesses the power of sport to help young people, regardless of background, build skills, confidence and resilience.”
Sir David Beckham, Bank of America Global Sports Ambassador, added: “Football has given me opportunities I could only have dreamed of, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be in building confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose for young people. What I love about this initiative is that it focuses on the whole person – not just the game, but the skills and support young people need to shape their futures.”
The new initiative builds on Bank of America’s broader portfolio of sport-led programs launched in recent months. In March 2026, the bank partnered with U.S. Soccer and the Soccer Forward Foundation to launch Soccer at Schools, a national effort designed to make soccer accessible to schools across the country by 2030. That program represents one of the most significant youth access investments connected to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy.
Bank of America’s Golf with Us program, launched in April 2025, demonstrated strong early traction with youth enrollment. The program surpassed its initial goal of enrolling 50,000 young golfers by May 2025 and by October 2025 had logged more than 100,000 rounds of golf at courses across the country, according to the bank. In 2026, the program expanded further, with more than 1,500 courses participating and enrollment continuing through June.
Where possible, Bank of America teammates will support the new global initiative through mentoring, volunteering, and skills-based engagement with partner organizations at a local level. The program is designed as a scalable platform intended to sustain impact over the long term by integrating delivery through established community organizations and aligning with Bank of America’s wider commitment to economic mobility.
Sources
- Bank of America Newsroom — Official press release announcing the expansion of Sports with Us platform with details on the 10,000-youth goal, 14 countries, age range, six core skills, and quotes from Bernard Mensah and Sir David Beckham
- Bank of America Newsroom — Press releases on Golf with Us enrollment milestones (50,000 golfers by May 2025, 100,000 rounds by October 2025)
- Bank of America Newsroom — Press release on Soccer at Schools launch in March 2026 as a significant youth access investment
- PR Newswire — Coverage of Soccer at Schools initiative as a national effort to bring soccer to schools by 2030
