HALEON SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD

Meet the 2025 recipient of the U.S. Soccer Social Impact Award Presented by Haleon, Kate Ward

• Kate is one of global soccer's preeminent advocates for all of disability soccer; she consistently uses her voice and involvement on committees and U.S. Soccer's Board to advocate for representation
• Kate has been the longtime captain of the U.S. Women's Deaf team, a group who has not lost a game in the team's 20 year history. They've won three DIFA World Deaf Football Championships (2012, 2016, 2023) and four Deaflympics (2005, 2009, 2013, 2022)
• Kate wasn't gifted a massive platform to use her voice like many MNT and WNT players, she instead built one through her involvement, charity work, and fulltime role as a college coach
• She also played a big role in the U.S. Women's deaf team being the first ENT to have a nationally televised game in Colorado in July 2024

BACKGROUND

U.S. Soccer and Soccer Forward will honor current and former players from any of its National Team programs with the Social Impact Award as a part of its ongoing partnership with Haleon. This award will recognize athletes for their off-the-field contributions that harness the transformative power of soccer to positively impact lives and communities. Players will be nominated for the Social Impact Award by current and former National Team players, and winners will be awarded a $20,000 grant.

“The Social Impact Award is part of a broader mission between Haleon and U.S. Soccer to grow accessibility in soccer while supporting health inclusivity,” said Katie Williams, Haleon US Chief Marketing Officer. “This award reflects Haleon’s values and is a celebration of the people who embody them within U.S. Soccer.”

“The Social Impact Award recognizes excellence with integrity within the soccer community,” said Turan Mullins, U.S. Soccer Vice President, Inclusion & Engagement. “U.S. Soccer, in partnership with Haleon, wants to foster inclusivity and meaningful societal change while driving progress in soccer and in our broader communities.”

Nominated Individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Must be individuals making a significant impact in the community aligned to one or more of Soccer Forward’s three pillars – Soccer: For everyone, everywhere; Soccer: For health; and Soccer: For equity and excellence in the women’s game
• Must have had at least one cap across U.S. Soccer’s Extended National Teams, Youth National Teams, Senior Men’s National Team, or Senior Women’s National Team

Nominees will be evaluated on community impact, leadership and advocacy, sustainability and longevity, and integrity and growth. Nominations for the Social Impact Award presented by Haleon will open July 18th, 2025, with the nomination window closing on September 15th, 2025. There is no limit to the number of nominations. Current players, former players, and relevant stakeholders can nominate players. 

Submissions will be evaluated by U.S. Soccer leadership, Haleon representatives, Athletes Council, and Game Changers United. The award will be presented during the halftime ceremony of a National Team match during the December FIFA window.