What Soccer Does Part 13

We're excited to introduce our newly appointed Manager of Marketing & Communications Manny Meraz ! Having been a part of our Coach-Mentor Training team, Manny now brings his deep passion for soccer and a fresh wave of energy to our events and campaigns. He’s all about excitement—whether it’s cheering for his favorite team or planning big moments like our mini-pitch openings. Manny is ready to drive our brand forward and inspire the next generation of soccer lovers.?

Q: What is one word that describes what soccer has done for you either personally or professionally??

?A: The one word that comes to mind is excitement. Soccer is the one thing in my life that consistently and assuredly creates excitement, as there is always something to be excited about! On a personal level, I have played and followed the beautiful game from the age of 6 and I still get the same jitters today that I did as a young kid playing or watching a game. From a professional standpoint, I am lucky to work in a space that I am incredibly passionate about, and I am ecstatic about the opportunity to pass that passion and excitement to future generations.

?Q: Can you explain what your main responsibilities are as the Manager of Marketing and Communications??

?A: As the manager of marketing and communications, I am responsible?for managing a variety of the Foundation’s public-facing events, such as mini-pitch openings and activations, with a keen focus on building the Foundation’s brand presence, increasing brand visibility, and positively stewarding the Foundation’s partners and funders. I am excited to work with the Marketing and Communications team, as well as the rest of the U.S. Soccer Foundation team to promote the Foundation and its work to key audiences. I am also excited to contribute to larger Foundation campaigns and initiatives in the leadup to the 2026 World Cup and beyond.

?Q: What?has been your most impactful experience at the U.S. Soccer Foundation? Why was it so impactful for you?

?A: My most impactful experience at the U.S. Soccer Foundation has been seeing the Soccer for Success?National Training in action. As one of the Foundation’s marquee events, the yearly National Training serves as the first step in providing quality, evidence-based soccer programming to communities across the country. All the trainers and staff that come together for the event create a beautiful family-like environment that is unlike any other I have been a part of!

?Q: Who is your favorite soccer team? How did you end up supporting them??

?A: My favorite soccer team is Manchester City. Growing up, everyone around me was a fan of historic teams such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, or Manchester United. Wanting to do something different, I elected to become a Manchester City fan after being captivated by players like Mario Balotelli, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, and Yaya Toure to name a few. As time has gone on, my fandom for the team has only grown stronger as the club has become the standard for world-class soccer from top to bottom!?

?Q: Besides playing and watching soccer,?what?do you enjoy doing the most outside of work?

?A: Outside of playing and watching soccer, I enjoy following and playing other sports, I enjoy getting outside with my dog, and love spending time with my friends and family!

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?This concludes part 13 of our "What Soccer Does" series.

?In case you missed it,?read how soccer has impacted our Senior Associate for Soccer for Success, Tori Ramataboee : https://bit.ly/4dB4d6a