The unforgettable experience was made possible through the support of Airbnb and community partners committed to expanding opportunities for young people.
Before departing for the match, Club members participated in a special send-off celebration at the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. The event welcomed Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO Nathan Blecharczyk, and Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Executive Director Jenn Aldworth, who joined youth, staff, and supporters to celebrate the exciting opportunity.
For many of the young people attending, this was not only their first World Cup match, but also a chance to experience an international sporting event on a global stage. The trip reflects the Boys & Girls Club's commitment to providing experiences that inspire youth, broaden horizons, and help them envision bright futures.
"We are incredibly grateful to Governor Healey, Airbnb, and the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs for helping make this experience possible for our members," said Liz Hamilton, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester. "Opportunities like this create lasting memories and show our youth that the world is full of possibilities."
The Boys & Girls Club of Worcester serves more than 8,000 youth annually through programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character and leadership development, workforce readiness, and the arts. Experiences such as the World Cup trip help reinforce the Club's mission to inspire and enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
As the vans pulled away, excitement filled the air as Club members prepared to witness world-class soccer and create memories that will last a lifetime.
At the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Great Futures Start Here—and on this special day, those futures included a trip to the FIFA World Cup.
