The Philadelphia Union Foundation raised more than $282,000 to support its mission to change lives through soccer on Thursday during its Legends of Soccer Fundraising Gala at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building in downtown Philadelphia. The Foundation will use these funds to support its intiatives including the iAM Project, which supports aspirational high school students in Chester, building mini-pitches throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding communities, developing Chester soccer programs, and more.

Dan Hilferty, Chairman of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, JP Dellacamera, Philadelphia Union Commentator and Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association were honored as Legends of Soccer in Philadelphia to recognize the incredible work they have done to grow the sport of soccer in America and ensure its impact goes beyond the pitch.

“I’m thrilled we were able to recognize the incredible impact Dan, JP and Chris have had on soccer in our area,” said Paul Howard, Executive Director, Philadelphia Union Foundation. “Our Gala is an opportunity to celebrate how soccer can improve lives, while raising money for the Foundation so we can continue to expand the positive impact of the sport.”

Last August, the Philadelphia Union Foundation’s (PUF) 4th annual DOOP Cup took place at the Union League Liberty Hill, where philanthropic individuals and companies came together to help raise funds to assist the growth and improvement of PUF’s education and soccer programs for the underserved and underprivileged in Chester, Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley.

The event - sponsored by Cozen O'Connor and COSECURE- saw 120 golfers compete at the Union League Liberty Hill. Once again, the signature Snake Pit hole was a party-like atmosphere full of vibrant energy from the Philadelphia Union’s front office staff. The generosity of all the sponsors made for a wonderful day to the benefit of the communities the Union Foundation looks to serve.

The fun-filled day of golfing also included special guest appearances, a raffle, silent auction with luxury prizes, and dinner reception where the 2022 DOOP Cup champions were awarded the DOOP Cup trophy.