As the Sports with Us clinic came to a close on Tuesday, emcee Kristi Scales engaged the young participants by asking them to identify their favorite sport—football or soccer. Both groups enthusiastically raised their hands, and Scales, who serves as the Dallas Cowboys’ radio sideline reporter, encouraged them to continue playing both sports “forever and ever.”
The clinic welcomed around 100 students from a Fort Worth elementary school to the iconic AT&T Stadium field, where they participated in five sports activity stations. While the field was marked for American football, the event aimed to highlight the diverse aspects of the sport, showcasing both American football and soccer.
“This is a truly unique opportunity,” stated Mike Pavell, the Fort Worth market president for Bank of America, the event’s sponsor. “We have amazing partners in the Dallas Cowboys, FIFA World Cup 2026, and U.S. Soccer, and it’s fantastic to bring them together to support Western Hills Elementary School and illustrate the power these brands can have for the students.”
Pavell referenced several athletes who participated in the event, including current and former professionals from both sports. Among them were USWNT player Croix Bethune, former USMNT star Clint Dempsey, ex-Cowboys defensive standout DeMarcus Ware, and current Cowboys placekicker Brandon Aubrey. Each athlete took the time to share their expertise with the children.
“What a tremendous opportunity to create a positive impact in the community with FIFA and football,” expressed Ware. The Pro Football Hall of Famer shared that while he had tried soccer as a child, he found his niche in American football. His journey through various sports led him to encourage kids to explore different athletic pursuits.
“In today’s world, it often feels like you have to choose one sport to excel in, but I was fortunate enough to try them all,” Ware added. “I played baseball and basketball, but it was football where I truly thrived. Kids should experiment with both soccer and football, as they may discover their true passion.”
Brandon Aubrey echoed this sentiment, sharing his own experience of finding his calling later in life after a brief professional soccer career. “I faced disappointment in soccer, and transitioning to football felt daunting at first. Thankfully, my supportive wife encouraged me to give it a shot, and it has turned into a rewarding career.”
Before the children began their activities, Aubrey demonstrated his knowledge of both sports by teaching his fellow athletes. Although Ware lacked a soccer background, he successfully executed a penalty kick, while Dempsey and Bethune impressively attempted field goals under Aubrey’s guidance. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zones was likely an inspiration for the young attendees.
“Events like this are vital not only for us as athletes but also in showing kids that we can be role models for their aspirations, imparting valuable life lessons through sports,” Bethune stated. Both she and Aubrey emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work, lessons they’ve embraced throughout their careers.
Throughout the clinic, participants rotated through five stations, each designed to teach skills related to soccer, football, and life. Under the guidance of professional athletes and instructors, students learned to move, pass, and kick, while also receiving basic financial and teamwork advice from Bank of America representatives.
“It’s all about passing knowledge to the next generation, teaching them skills both on and off the field,” Dempsey remarked. The Nacadoches, Texas native also highlighted how soccer had broadened his appreciation for different cultures and collaboration.
Scales encouraged the children, proclaiming, “Girls rule on the soccer field and the football field!” While women’s participation in soccer has surged since the 1980s, opportunities in American football have only recently begun to expand.
“Women are increasingly entering American football, with more leagues emerging,” noted Bethune, who fondly recalls watching the sport with her father in Georgia. “It’s fantastic to see women getting involved in football.”
During the event, Ware demonstrated tackling techniques to both boys and girls, while Aubrey provided instruction to aspiring kickers of all genders. The Cowboys organization has made strides locally by establishing teams and leagues for female athletes.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to foster participation and grow audiences for both versions of football. Globally, soccer enjoys immense popularity, whereas American football, particularly through the Cowboys, remains a dominant force in the U.S. The NFL has actively sought to expand its reach internationally, hosting games abroad and empowering teams to market themselves globally. Thanks to its storied success, the Cowboys have established a strong international brand.
“I travel frequently for work and am always amazed by how recognizable the Cowboys’ blue star is, regardless of where I am,” Bethune shared.
Dempsey recalled playing World Cup qualifiers in Mexico, where murals of legendary Cowboys players celebrated the team’s historic success. “Even in Europe, the Cowboys brand resonates powerfully,” he remarked.
Despite its brand recognition, the Cowboys understand the need to enhance their international appeal to match that of soccer. “We recognize that while the NFL brand is growing globally, it doesn’t yet have the international allure that soccer possesses,” stated Cowboys Chief Financial Officer Tom Walker during the event. “Connecting the NFL and Cowboys brands to a broader global audience is always a priority for us.”
Collaborations with globally recognized entities have demonstrated the value of expanded exposure. Walker highlighted the success of Netflix’s documentary content featuring Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, noting a significant increase in social media engagement and attendance linked to these productions.
On the same day, Netflix hosted a pre-opening event for its new venue in Dallas, attracting Cowboys legend Michael Irvin and professional women’s soccer players from Dallas Trinity FC. The Cowboys are poised for increased visibility as they prepare to showcase their stadium during the Men’s World Cup, hosting a record nine games at the venue.
“Anytime we can connect our brand to such events, it’s a win for us and for the DFW area,” Walker concluded.
Bank of America, as a sponsor of both the FWC and the Cowboys, stands to benefit as well. With operations in 35 countries, many of which have qualified for the World Cup, the bank sees potential in leveraging its partnerships with prominent global sports entities.
As soccer enthusiasts look forward to collaborating with the Cowboys during the 2026 World Cup, it’s worth noting the impact of previous tournaments held in the U.S., which saw record attendance figures. These events have historically acted as catalysts for the sport in a lucrative market.
Dempsey reflected on his own journey, recalling how witnessing the 1994 World Cup ignited his dream of representing the U.S. national team, a dream he ultimately fulfilled. “I’m curious to see how this World Cup will spark further evolution for soccer in the U.S.,” he added.
FIFA aims to boost soccer’s profile in the U.S. while the Cowboys and the NFL seek to expand their reach beyond North America. Grassroots initiatives, such as the one observed during the clinic, play a crucial role in this endeavor. The children showcased varying levels of skill in soccer and football, and the opportunity to learn from professional athletes could inspire them to excel in their chosen sports.
“Many skills are transferable between sports,” Bethune noted. “Agility drills in soccer can enhance footwork in football. Many kickers have transitioned from soccer to football, showcasing the overlap between the two.”
Ultimately, the value of such events extends beyond athletic skills. Aubrey emphasized, “Once you learn to succeed in one sport, that knowledge often translates to others. It all comes down to hard work, determination, and setting goals—lessons that hold true in any career.”
