Fans know the top United States women soccer players spend a lot of time working on their craft. What supporters may not realize is that when their favorite players aren't on the pitch, they are in their communities making a difference. Throughout the 2022 season, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), in partnership with Nationwide, will be honoring those efforts as part of the 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Award.

On Monday, the league announced details around the 2022 campaign, a season-long, civically-focused initiative promoting community partners and advancing local service projects chosen and led by each NWSL team. It’s the second year for the program, which officially kicks off in July with appreciation games scheduled that will recognize each club’s community partner during a home match.

“It was great to see the teams and player ambassadors embrace this platform in its first year and engage fans with unique community partnerships,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer. “Nationwide looks forward to continuing its support and promotion of the many important causes that will be highlighted by each club this year.”

At the end of the season, one team-community partnership will win the Nationwide Community Impact Award and e honored during the 2022 NWSL Championship weekend in October. The winning community partner will receive a $25,000 donation from Nationwide to further their organization’s efforts. In addition, each participating community partner will receive a $5,000 grant.

“Giving back to the community is a foundational component of the NWSL, led by our exemplary players, fans, staff and stakeholders,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “We saw incredible participation and excitement around last year’s Nationwide Community Impact Program from all of our clubs and fans, and we’re excited to build on that this season.”

Last year, OL Reign won the inaugural award in support of the Black Future Co-Op Fund, a new paradigm for philanthropy uplifting Black-led solutions that ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being.

A full list of player ambassadors, community partners, and team appreciation nights can be found below. To learn more about this year’s 2022 Nationwide Community Impact Award, visit https://www.nwslsoccer.com/2022-nationwide-community-impact-award