If you ask Diego Lahaye what he’s most excited about for 2025, he’ll likely put UDC hosting the first-ever National 4-H Soccer Cup near the top of his list. 

“We are extremely excited about this event taking place at UDC, and I think we’ll see a lot of participation,” says Lahaye, who serves as the project lead. The 4-H program associate in the Center for Urban Agriculture & Gardening Education in the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) says he has already confirmed participants from multiple states, including Nebraska and Texas. 

As part of the Ignite by 4-H summit, the National 4-H Soccer Cup will unite high school-age boys and girls teams to compete on the new UDC athletic field from March 13-14, 2025. The goal? To enhance athletic excellence and promote interaction and sportsmanship.  

During the event, field experts will conduct educational workshops throughout the Van Ness campus, including sessions on sports integrity, youth leadership, sports-based nutrition, crime prevention, and the intersection of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and sports. Coach licensing courses and referee licensing will also be available. 

More than 1,000 youth nationwide come to the District annually to attend this summit, according to 4-H. Its National 4-H Soccer Cup is both the first time UDC will host, as well as the first-ever such event.  

“We are dedicated to helping the players and coaches reach their full potential. We also want to create friendships,” Lahaye says.   

The soccer cup is not the first time that Lahaye will help make a positive impact at UDC.  

In 2023, Lahaye was awarded the Northeast Urban Extension Award for his project the “Healthy Living Urban Youth (Soccer) Program,” recognized for its community impact.  

“Our 4-H Soccer Program is an all-year-round program. We are dedicated to promoting youth soccer for recreational and competitive purposes,” Lahaye says. “The National 4-H Soccer Cup is an extension of that. The roles that these student-athletes assume on the field are the same ones that youth encounter in their families, schools and communities.” 

CAUSES Dean Dwane Jones says he is proud UDC will play a key role in the soccer cup. 

“This groundbreaking event, hosted at UDC’s main campus, will unite talented boys’ and girls’ soccer teams nationwide for a three-day competition showcasing the next generation of leaders and athletes through collaboration, skill-building and unforgettable experiences,” Jones says. “With the support of National 4-H, we are investing in these young athletes to help them develop skills that will last a lifetime.” 

For additional information about the National 4-H Soccer Cup, contact Diego Lahaye.