LAUREUS USA AND MOVEMBER BRING SOCCER AND MENTAL HEALTH TOGETHER FOR ATLANTA DAY OF SPORT

ATLANTA, GA, June 12, 2026 — The world’s biggest sporting moments are about more than what happens on the field; they are a reminder that sport has the power to transform lives. With the world’s attention turning to soccer, Laureus USA and Movember brought that belief to life at Ben Hill Recreation Center in Atlanta where they partnered with the Department of Parks and Recreation and U.S. Soccer’s Soccer Forward Foundation for the Atlanta Day of Sport on Wednesday, June 10th.

More than 250 young people participated in the event, rotating through 10 interactive stations designed to explore the connection between soccer, mental wellbeing, teamwork, and personal development. Activities included soccer skill challenges, activities, and engaging experiences that encouraged communication, confidence-building, and healthy habits.

“Sport creates connection, confidence and belonging—three things that are critical to positive mental health,” said Rachelle Patel, Senior Director of External Affairs at Laureus USA. “As soccer fans from around the globe come together this summer, we’re proud to work alongside Movember and our local partners to ensure young people in Atlanta experience the game’s power both on and off the field.”

The Atlanta Day of Sport marked the first of three mental health and sport activations being delivered by Laureus USA and Movember in Atlanta and New York. Each event incorporates Movember’s Game Changers program, helping young people develop practical tools to support emotional wellbeing while participating in the sport they love. Through these activations, youth are provided opportunities for meaningful connection and introduced to mental health learnings about emotional awareness and stress management.

“Sport engages young people in important conversations and skills that support their mental wellbeing,” said Martin Marchiori-Wong, Project Manager, Men’s Mental Health at Movember USA. “Movember’s Game Changers program is about meeting young people where they are, using sport to build the skills, confidence and connections that help them thrive both on and off the field. We’re proud to partner with Laureus USA and our community partners to show how sport can create lasting positive impact for young people.”

Laureus USA is grateful to the local organizations that hosted activity stations and helped make the day a success, including Soccer in the Streets, Field of Dreams Academy, Inter Atlanta FC, Balanced Motion, Bearings Bike Works, Atlanta Track Club Foundation, L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, BlazeSports America, Girls on the Run of Georgia, and Atlanta Police Athletic League. Special thanks also go to Gatorade for helping keep participants hydrated throughout the day.

As Atlanta prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for global soccer celebrations, Laureus USA and Movember remain committed to ensuring the sport’s legacy extends beyond the pitch by creating opportunities for young people to thrive through sport, connection and positive mental health.

Photos and video highlights from Atlanta Day of Sport will be shared on Laureus USA’s digital channels in the coming days.