From Pickup to Purpose—Stronger Together
We're Chicago Neighborhood Soccer (NBHD Soccer) — a community-driven nonprofit organization building stronger neighborhoods through soccer programming, local partnerships, fundraising, and special events across Chicago's South & West sides.
How neighborhood pickup games became a community development nonprofit
Four friends—Andre, Diego, Julian, and Jordan—started organizing pickup games in their neighborhoods. No grand plan, just a love for soccer and a belief that sports bring people together.
Our games grew organically. Neighbors brought neighbors. Word spread across communities. We learned that consistency, quality, and genuine welcome create lasting bonds.
With 6,500+ community members and 400+ weekly participants, we realized we weren't just organizing games—we were building community infrastructure. It was time to formalize our work.
We incorporated as an Illinois nonprofit, bringing structure to our community development work while keeping our grassroots values. Our mission became clear: cultivate inclusive communities through soccer.
Today we're partnering with CPS schools on youth programming, running memorial tournaments that fund community causes, supporting local artists, and maintaining accessible community soccer. We've proven that celebrating differences and focusing neighbors' energy creates lasting change across Chicago's diverse communities.
"To cultivate inclusive communities through elevated and welcoming soccer experiences—one person and one event at a time."
"To build meaningful connections that give our communities a sense of belonging while using soccer as a catalyst for positive neighborhood change."
These aren't corporate statements—they're commitments born from over a decade of community organizing. Every game, program, and partnership reflects these values in action.
These aren't just words—they guide every decision, program, and partnership
Elevating local communities through active engagement and creating positive spaces where neighbors connect and thrive together.
Reflecting strong values in how we organize soccer and build community, earning trust through consistent action and transparent governance.
Encouraging neighbors to take part and make a difference, showing that positive change starts with local action and authentic leadership.
Tracking continuous improvement in soccer experiences and documenting real community impact across our neighborhoods.
Soccer is the vehicle, but community development is the destination
We're talking about helping South and West side communities that don't have as much programming, engagement, or even awareness of available fields. These communities deserve access and development as much as any other spaces in Chicago. We're one of the largest cities in the country—let's give some love to the communities we grew up in and live in, communities that are south and west of downtown. It just takes a connector and incubator. That's part of what we're doing.
Connecting North side resources with South and West side communities that have been overlooked despite being right downtown.
Creating programming and engagement where there wasn't much before—building what these neighborhoods deserve.
Growing leaders from within these communities who know what their neighborhoods need.
Making sure kids and families have the same opportunities regardless of which side of the city they're from.
Third-party validation of our nonprofit's community development work
"Creating Space to Play, Grow, and Belong: Youth Soccer League Launches at Rauner Family YMCA"
Read YMCA Feature →Over a decade of authentic community development through soccer programming
Transparent governance and measurable community impact
We're neighbors who care about our communities and are committed to long-term neighborhood development. Whether you want to play, volunteer, or support our work—there's a place for you in the NBHD Soccer story.
Connect with us: nbhdsoccer@gmail.com | @nbhdsoccer | Meetup: NBHD Soccer