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Soccer Forward: Bending the Pandemic of Loneliness and Physical Inactivity

A collaborative initiative by US Soccer and the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University.

By globally adapting and scaling soccer for health interventions, we aim to reverse social isolation and physical inactivity, benefiting millions of vulnerable youth, adults and disabled individuals across 50 U.S. states and 15 global communities.

The Challenge

Physical inactivity and isolation have become critical global health issues. This is evident among youth and adults who face significant health burdens and have limited access to effective programs and opportunities for social connection. In the U.S., 90% of adults do not meet the minimum recommended physical activity levels and only 39% of adults said that they felt very connected to others. Loneliness, physical inactivity, and related chronic diseases have reached epidemic levels and have far-reaching physical and mental health implications. Addressing this crisis requires innovative solutions to promote regular, enjoyable physical activity and enhance community well-being.

Key Pillars

Building and Educating the Workforce

Focus on building and certifying a community-based workforce to deliver and sustain Football is Medicine (FIM) programs. This involves training local professionals, volunteers, and organizations to provide continuous support and technical expertise. By fostering a well-prepared and knowledgeable workforce, we ensure the longevity and effectiveness of FIM programs across diverse settings.

Program Implementation and Scaling

Develop a robust implementation framework by partnering with local stakeholders such as soccer clubs, healthcare providers, and community organizations. These anchor partners will be crucial in delivering and adapting FIM programs to meet local needs. Establishing these partnerships will facilitate the scaling and dissemination of best practices both nationally and globally. Focus on low-cost, low-barrier strategies to maximize reach and impact.

Evaluation

Evaluate short-term outcomes through pre- and post-assessments and monitor population-level public health indicators. Primary focus areas include reducing physical inactivity and loneliness, with secondary emphasis on mental health, social health, and other physical health outcomes. Ensure that the program’s implementation is equitable, just, and adaptable to diverse community needs, promoting scalability and sustainability.

Social Marketing

Create a cultural shift that promotes lifelong physical activity and play, challenging the norm of ceasing such activities after childhood or early adulthood. Implement social marketing strategies to make “play” a widely accepted and encouraged practice for individuals from age 1 to 99. By emphasizing the fun, social, and accessible nature of FIM programs, we aim to integrate them into daily life, making physical activity a natural and enjoyable part of everyone’s routine.

Meet the Team

U.S. Soccer Chief Medical Officer

Medical Committee for FIFA and CONCACAF

Associate Professor of Emergency and Sports Medicine,

Northwestern University

George T Chiampas, DO, CAQSM

He oversees medical care for over 27 National soccer teams domestically and Internationally and serves on CONCACAF and FIFA Medical committees. A leader in player and participant health and safety by championing changes in policy and the laws of the game. He has established best practices for health and safety for over 4 million U.S soccer participants, leading efforts in banning heading for youth soccer, developing recommendations for play during COVID19 and guiding brain health and concussion management guidelines. An expert communicator, the CPR video created by Dr Chiampas is the most viewed content created by USSF (8 Million views).

Associate Professor Global Health,

Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health

Physician Director for Epidemiology, Public Health & Preparedness & Senior Consultant for Population Health Research

Department of Quality and Patient Safety

The Southeast Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Georgia

Felipe Lobelo, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA

Over two decades of experience in implementation science aiming to bridge the gap between clinical practice and public health interventions among vulnerable populations. Dr. Lobelo has developed and tested various programs for chronic disease prevention and control leveraging the health and social benefits of recreational sports, lifestyle medicine and fostering clinical-community linkages. He has published over 150 articles and books, serves on the steering committee for the Football is Medicine Global collaborative platform, the U.S President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Science Board and is a fellow of the American Heart Association.

The Science Supporting Soccer for Health

FIM/RS4H Logic Model

Elevating recreational soccer to
improve population health in the
United States: the time is now