The need
What problem exists?
Immigrant and refugee youth can face isolation and limited opportunities to build connection across cultures through safe, welcoming recreation.
A Signature Community Initiative
10 Years. 20+ States. One Community.
What began as a soccer tournament became something bigger — a place where young people across cultures build friendships, leadership, confidence, and belonging. The Annual International Cup is More Than A Smile Foundation's signature event, bringing teams and families together from across the United States.
10
Years of community
20+
States represented
500+
Youth athletes
Investment-ready program overview
The case for this work
A consistent view of the need, the people served, the approach, and the support required to grow responsibly.
Who we serve
Who is this for?
Youth and families in Louisville’s immigrant and refugee communities, with teams and supporters representing diverse cultural backgrounds.
Our response
What happens?
A 3-day annual soccer tournament — three days of community, culture, and unity — that brings youth teams, families, coaches, volunteers, and community partners together for competition, celebration, and recognition.
Why it works
What makes it distinctive?
The Cup combines sport, cultural pride, family participation, and youth recognition—making belonging visible on and off the field.
2026 reach
Who we aim to reach
Participation data will be published following the 2026 program cycle.
Results
What changes
Outcome data will be published following the 2026 program cycle.
Invest
What the program needs next
Investment can help fund field access, transportation, uniforms, meals, awards, safety, and family-centered event coordination.
About the Event
Soccer, connection, and community
The Annual International Cup was born from a simple belief: that sports have the power to bring people together across language, culture, and background. Every year, we gather Louisville's immigrant and refugee youth on one field to compete, connect, and celebrate who they are.
The Cup is not just about winning. It is about belonging. It is about a young person from Somalia lining up beside a teammate from Somalia, Guatemala, or Myanmar and discovering that they have more in common than they ever imagined.
Families, coaches, volunteers, and community partners come together to make the day possible and to cheer every single player on, regardless of the score.
On the Day
What to Expect
Competitive Soccer
The Annual International Cup brings young people, families, and community supporters together around soccer, connection, and friendly competition. Event format, teams, and schedule are shared when confirmed.
Cultural Celebration
The event creates space for families and neighbors to share culture, celebrate community, and connect around the game. Activities are shaped by the confirmed event plan and participating partners.
Youth Recognition
Recognition activities celebrate participation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and community contribution. Criteria and honorees are shared when confirmed for each event.
Community Connection
Families, neighbors, volunteers, and partners gather to cheer, connect, and take part in a youth-centered community celebration.
On the Pitch
Competitive matches all day long
Awards Ceremony
Celebrating every player's achievement
In the Moment
Cup Highlights
Community on the sidelines
Sportsmanship above all
Coaches who care
A festival for all
Event Details
Join Us This Year
Date
Announced annually — follow us for updates
Location
Louisville, KY
Who Can Participate
Youth ages 8–18 from Louisville's immigrant and refugee communities. Community members, families, and supporters are welcome to attend.
Admission
Free and open to the community
Register Your Team
Want to bring a team to the Cup? Reach out to us to learn about registration, age groups, and how to get your players on the field.
Contact us to registerSponsor the Cup
Your sponsorship helps cover equipment, jerseys, awards, and event costs — making the Cup possible for every youth who wants to play, regardless of their family's financial situation.
Become a sponsorVolunteer
We need referees, setup crew, food coordinators, and day-of volunteers to make the Cup run smoothly. Join our team for the day.
Sign up to volunteerWhen young people play together, they stop seeing each other as strangers. They start seeing each other as teammates.
— More Than A Smile Foundation