Photo by Lisa Boehm

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, April 16, 2026 – As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup 26™ this summer, ArtsQuest is investing in the future of the game at home.

As part of SoccerFest 2026 at SteelStacks (June 11–July 19), ArtsQuest will host an expanded lineup of youth soccer programming designed to engage players of all ages and abilities while celebrating the Lehigh Valley’s historic role in shaping the sport in America.

From competitive tournaments and skill-building clinics to educational field trips, SoccerFest’s youth initiatives will take place against the backdrop of live FIFA World Cup 26™ watch parties and highlight the region’s lasting soccer legacy, which dates back more than a century to the legendary Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club.

“Soccer has always been part of Bethlehem’s identity, and SoccerFest is an opportunity to highlight its impact in the region by investing in the next generation of players,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer at ArtsQuest. “Our youth programming will help young players develop and enhance their skills, while also creating access, building community and inspiring them to see themselves as part of the global game.”

Long before soccer’s modern surge in popularity across the U.S., Bethlehem was at the epicenter of the sport’s early growth in industrial towns across the country. The Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club, comprised largely of immigrant workers, was an American soccer juggernaut in the early 20th century, winning 11 national championships and helping establish the foundation for the sport’s development nationwide.

Driven by increased youth participation, global media exposure and the growth of professional leagues, soccer has risen to become the third most popular sport in the U.S. According to U.S. Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country and the largest member of the U.S. Soccer Federation, participation has surged from approximately 100,000 registered players in 1974 to nearly 3 million today, reflecting soccer’s rise as one of the most popular and accessible sports in the country.

In eastern Pennsylvania, the legacy of the Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club lives on through a booming soccer network across the region.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer serves more than 110,000 young athletes across the region, offering a wide range of programs including its Olympic Development Program, which features more than 700 elite players and hosting major outdoor cup competitions for numerous local clubs.

“Opportunities like SoccerFest allow us to continue growing the game in Eastern Pennsylvania and introduce soccer to new families and communities,” said Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Commissioner of the U.S. Soccer Youth Council. “By creating experiences around the sport, we can inspire more young athletes to get involved, connect families to the game, and help build the next generation of players.”

At the local level, organizations like Penn Rising XI—the former Lehigh Valley United– provide high-level training and competitive opportunities for young athletes.

“Penn Rising XI is proud to be part of a soccer community that continues to raise the bar for youth development in the Lehigh Valley,” said Greg Ramos, Executive Director and Sporting Director of Penn Rising XI. “As one of the region’s premier clubs competing at the highest levels of youth soccer in Eastern Pennsylvania, we’re focused on preparing players to thrive—on and off the field. SoccerFest provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase that growth and inspire the next wave of players.”

Coaches representing these organizations will co-lead all of the youth clinics and 3v3 tournaments at SoccerFest.

Spots are still available for the youth clinics, 3v3 youth tournaments and field trips. Registration is required. Parents and guardians for participants under 18, as well as interested players, can register online at Youth Soccer – ArtsQuest.

The full SoccerFest youth programming schedule includes:

• 3v3 Youth Tournaments (Ages 9-10, 11-12, 13-14)
  • Saturday, June 13 (Girls)
  • Sunday, June 14 (Boys)
    • Registration closes at noon, 6/1/26
• FREE Adaptive Clinic for Children with Disabilities (Ages 5–14)
  • Saturday, June 20
• FREE Youth Clinic (Ages 5–12)
  • Saturday, June 20
• Youth Field Trips (Ages 5–18)
  • Monday, June 22 & Tuesday, June 23
    • Featuring campus tours, soccer-themed arts and crafts tied to World Cup matches, youth clinics and watching a match
    • Registration is required and spaces are limited.
• FREE Spanish-Language Youth Clinic (Ages 5-14)
  • Saturday, June 27

For more information about SoccerFest 2026 and a full schedule of events, visit Lehigh Valley Soccerfest – ArtsQuest.

 

About ArtsQuest

ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, generating a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.

Information provided to TVL by:
Bryn Keeney