The 2026 Soccer for Life Gala Event

When: November 8, 2026, 5:30pm - 8:15pm

Location: The Academy at Mapleton Hill, Boulder, CO

Celebrate, connect, and make a difference. The 2026 Soccer for Life Gala is your chance to change lives through the power of play.

Kids and Soccer for Life Foundation coaches gathered around the foundation's banner at a community soccer event

Every dollar raised fuels opportunity, access, and the joy of soccer for local kids.

About the Gala

This isn’t just another event, it’s our community coming together to create lasting change. In 2025, your support helped expand Soccer for Life programs to hundreds of kids across Boulder County. In 2026, we’re aiming even higher, and your presence makes all the difference.

Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Jeff Frykholm PhD

Jeff Frykholm, PhD, Head Coach of Regis University Women’s Soccer, was named the 2026 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year. He took the helm of the Regis program in May 2022 after a successful stint as its Assistant Coach. Holding both the USSF "A" License and the USC "Premier" Diploma, Frykholm brings extensive knowledge and experience to Colorado soccer. A former tenured faculty member at the University of Colorado, Frykholm also holds PhD and MS degrees in Education and Sport Psychology, and he has enjoyed blending his passion for the game with his educational background and teaching experience.

Frykholm has contributed extensive research and practical work toward improving coaching education, leading the field in Colorado, across the United States, and around the world, with time spent in Chile, Malawi, and beyond. Through his outreach, Frykholm has earned recognition for his commitment to ensuring access to the game at all levels.

Meet Our Soccer for Life Impact Award Recipient

Hardy Kalisher

For its ceremonial inauguration, we are proud to present the Soccer for Life Foundation Impact Award to Boulder County soccer legend Hardy Kalisher. Coach Kalisher served the Boulder High School Panthers Men’s Soccer Program for 20 years, adding a State Title to their trophy cabinet in 2016.

During his time, Coach Kalisher instilled in all of his teams the motto of playing and competing for ‘La Familia.’ The motto captures the Panthers’ commitment to a culture in which the team welcomes all players with open arms, regardless of their backgrounds. Players worked together as one toward a common goal of improvement, culminating in a program record of 261-70-18. Hardy inherited a Boulder High School program that was often overlooked by neighboring high schools and, through his vision, successfully transformed it into a leading Colorado soccer program. The Daily Camera compared his influence to that of ‘the mayor of Boulder.’

Unforgettable experiences, inspiring stories, and a chance to change lives.

What to Expect

A night of impact, elegance, and inspiration. Guests will enjoy:

Amount Donated

$650,000+

Kids Impacted

1,500+

Years Serving

13

Elevate your company’s presence while making a difference for kids.

Corporate Sponsorship Packages

Corporate sponsors are the backbone of this event. Your partnership not only provides scholarships for young players — it also shines a light on your commitment to our community. Choose the package that best fits your goals and join other leading organizations in supporting youth access to soccer.

4 Available

Gold Goal Giver

Perfect for companies looking to make a significant impact while enjoying strong visibility and premium access at the gala.

$ 5,000

Includes:

Logo on SFL Gala website w/ link to sponsor website

Table for 10 with logo signage (replaces 6 event tickets)

Special mention in presentation

All items in “Silver Score Supporter”

6 Available

Silver Score Supporter

Designed for businesses aiming to contribute meaningfully and gain recognition at a prominent level without the top-tier investment.

$ 2,500

Includes:

Logo placement for invitations & emails

6 event tickets (replaces 2 event tickets)

All items in “Bronze Boot Benefactor”

10 Available

Bronze Boot Benefactor

A great option for smaller businesses or those new to sponsorship, offering solid exposure and participation in a cause that matters.

$ 1,500

Includes:

Logo placement in venue and within on-table materials

Mention in presentation

2 event tickets

Timeline

Extended Welcome Hour

5:30-7pm

  • Social spaces to reconnect with the leaders of Boulder’s soccer community

  • A dinner buffet to enjoy as you mingle

  • Complimentary wine, beer, signature cocktails, and mocktails

Event Ceremony & Live Auction

7-8:15pm

  • A celebration of the Foundation’s work in 2026

  • Soccer for Life presentation

  • Keynote speaker (to be announced)

  • Live auction & auction games

  • Closing ceremony

View the 2026

Auction Items

VIEW AUCTION ITEMS

Your ticket is more than entry, it’s opportunity for a child.

Be Part of the Story

When you give, kids gain confidence, friendship, and belonging. Whether through tickets or sponsorship, you are investing in futures shaped by the power of play.

Buy Your Tickets Now

Contact Us

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