WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Darin LaHood was recently selected as co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, an organization that includes members of Congress and their staff and works to promote, educate and raise awareness on issues, both domestic and international, pertaining to the sport. Soccer continues to be the most popular sport in the world. LaHood hails from a congressional district with many strong ties to successful soccer programs at the local, state and college level. This new role will allow LaHood to advocate for the sport and work to encourage legislation, activities, and events that promote soccer, as well as issues affecting the greater soccer community while also encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle for kids and young adults. The State of Illinois and the 18th Congressional District has a proud, successful and diverse involvement in the sport, ranging from youth and high school programs, to the eight college and university programs across central and west-central Illinois. In addition, the world headquarters of the U.S. Soccer Federation is based in Chicago. Also, the Chicago Fire, one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) original clubs, is in Chicago.
The sport of soccer continues to be recognized as a growing economic opportunity for the United States and the world and LaHood looks forward to using his new role to capitalize on those opportunities. The U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. government is actively seeking to host the 2026 World Cup competition in America. It should be noted that LaHood currently serves as the co-chair of the House US-China Working Group, is a member of the US-Cuba Working Group and the bi-partisan Congressional Human Rights Commission.
Next week Congressman Darin LaHood will be participating in the annual U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Capital Soccer Classic on Tuesday, May 23 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This high-profile charity event will be held at RFK Stadium (home of the MLS DC United team). The Capital Soccer Classic is a family-friendly event for players of all skill levels and the main event of the Classic, the Congressional Soccer Match, includes members of Congress, soccer legends, and select corporate sponsors going head-to-head in a bipartisan game, Democrats vs. Republicans. All proceeds raised at the event go to charitable causes.
“Whether I’m watching my three sons play at the local and high school level, or supporting the success of the college soccer programs at the Division I,II or III levels in my district, or simply following the USA men's and women's teams in the World Cup competition, I have regularly witnessed soccer bring about passion, loyalty, and camaraderie from athletes and fans from all walks of life in the US and around the world. I am excited to represent the soccer community in this leadership role and look forward to encouraging the values of teamwork, leadership and a healthy lifestyle in our communities,” stated Rep. Darin LaHood.
“We are excited to learn that Rep. Darin LaHood was named co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus. The community of soccer players across the United States will surely benefit from his leadership, from the grassroots all the way to the national level. Soccer has shown itself to be an avenue for individual and collective growth, inspiring confidence and solidarity amongst and between communities, and Rep. LaHood’s involvement can only strengthen the importance of the sport within the United States,” said United States Soccer Federation.
“We look forward to working with Rep. LaHood and the members of the Congressional Soccer Caucus to continue to ensure all children have access to quality soccer programs and safe places to play the game,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Soccer can change lives by encouraging a healthy lifestyle and teaching critical life skills. Together, we can ensure more children across the country can reap the game’s many benefits.”
“What the sport of soccer has provided for Sangamon State University, the University of Illinois Springfield, and the entire city cannot go overstated. The soccer community of Springfield has been subject to three National Championship teams, but on a broader scope, has brought together many diverse cultures for a common purpose. We are proud to have a congressman like Representative LaHood who takes such great pride in supporting athletics and this is just another example of that,” stated University of Illinois-Springfield Director of Athletics, Jim Sarra
"Our soccer community is very excited to have Congressman Darin LaHood co-chair the Congressional Soccer Caucus. Soccer is a global sport that has the power to unite people from the grass roots level through the highest levels of international competition. The sport provides a great platform to encourage an active lifestyle, passion, and life lessons for young players and adults alike, and as importantly has the ability to unify people across all cultural backgrounds. Having Congressman LaHood represent our nation and the 18th Congressional District as he continues to make a positive impact on our local community and the world of soccer is truly special and I look forward to assisting in any way possible. As soccer continues its tremendous growth in our country, political leaders such as Congressman LaHood and this Caucus can help lead the way for the United States to grow the world’s most popular sport,” stated Bradley University Men's Soccer’s head coach, Jim DeRose.
"Soccer has strong roots in the Bloomington/Normal community and is continuing to flourish at the youth, high school, and collegiate levels. In the last 17 years I've seen considerable growth in not only the volume of participation, but also the quality on display. Bloomington/Normal youth clubs have competed well against the best in Illinois, our High School programs have won State Trophies, and our collegiate women's programs are regular participants in their respective NCAA tournaments,” stated Illinois Wesleyan’s Women’s Soccer head coach, David Barrett. “There's no doubt soccer is important to us here in Central Illinois, and having Congressman LaHood on board can only help the short- and long-term interests of soccer in his district."
“Having a Congressman represent and support our sport is a very encouraging sign and reflects the current and growing interest in the United States for 'the beautiful game'. The fact that he specifically mentions college and university programs in our district as well as youth and high school programs clearly shows that he understands the benefits derived by participation across all levels," said Western Illinois Men's Soccer head coach, Eric Johnson.
“It is exciting to have our sport supported by Congressman LaHood. Soccer needs as much support at the highest level possible to keep it growing and to benefit its participants,” said Quincy College Men's Soccer head coach, Mike Carpenter. “We are proud of the rich soccer history here at Quincy University and the role the sport plays in the lives of our student-athletes. The Quincy community has always shown tremendous enthusiasm for soccer at the various levels. Hopefully support from individuals like Congressman LaHood will help the sport to continue to grow."
