Growing Soccer in Triangle Communities; Minimizing Structural and Financial Barriers
RALEIGH, N.C. – Walk West, an AI-fluent, human experience agency in the North Carolina Research Triangle region, has become a key sponsor of the Pinto Futbol Foundation, an organization dedicated to making soccer more accessible for underserved communities in the Triangle region and globally.
Walk West joins the sponsorship lineup, including Lenovo and Adidas, to help build out the Pinto Futbol Foundation’s aims to strengthen community ties, promote a shared love for soccer, and inspire increased youth participation.
“At Walk West, we’re focused on impact. This partnership with the Pinto Futbol Foundation is about opening doors for kids who have traditionally been shut out of opportunity,” said Board Chair Donald Thompson. “Soccer is the vehicle, but what we are really building is confidence, leadership, and access to a better future for young people in the Triangle and beyond.”
A recent report from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association revealed that just 24% of children aged 6 to 12 from households earning $25,000 or less regularly participate in team sports.
“Soccer has the power to transform lives, but only if the game is truly accessible,” said Hassan Pinto, president of the Pinto Futbol Foundation. “With Walk West’s strategic partnership, we can extend our reach and scale our programs to reach more kids who deserve a chance to play, grow and lead. This is how we build systems of inclusion together.”
On the heels of the partnership, the Pinto Foundation is working toward building a mini-pitch in downtown Durham to support the growth of soccer in the United States with the US Soccer Foundation. The foundation aims to finish the project ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in North America next summer.
“The mini pitch in Durham will bring more young people to soccer, but more importantly, it will help us create a safe space for creativity, movement and belonging in the heart of our community,” said Brianna Pinto, NC Courage midfielder and founder of the Pinto Futbol Foundation. “With the support of partners like Walk West, we’re not just imagining a more inclusive game, we’re building it.”
Media Opportunities:
- Interviews with members of the Pinto Futbol Foundation team, including Brianna Pinto.
- Behind-the-scenes access to soccer camps, events and activities.
About Walk West
Walk West is an AI-fluent, human experience agency that blends innovation, technology, creativity, marketing, and communications to craft experiences that resonate with both people and machines, ensuring clients and partners are seen, heard, and recognized for maximum impact. We are a growth acceleration agency driving engagement transformation for top brands, such as Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Lenovo, Jewelers Mutual Group, State Employees’ Credit Union, NC Courage, Deutsch Family Spirits and Wine, and many more. Experience the Walk West difference at walkwest.com.
About Pinto Futbol Foundation
Pinto Futbol Foundation invests in grassroots programs designed to grow the game of soccer in underserved communities domestically and around the globe and strives to minimize structural and financial barriers to participation. The organization serves the community through program donations, camps, events, and scholarship funding.
For media inquiries, please contact: Kia Bell, kbell@walkwest.com.
