Diego Lahaye eagerly anticipates the landmark occasion when the University of the District of Columbia hosts the inaugural National 4-H Soccer Cup from March 12 to 16, 2025. As project lead and a 4-H program associate within the Center for Urban Agriculture & Gardening Education in UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences, Lahaye is optimistic about the high participation levels of youth athletes nationwide.

“We are extremely excited about this event taking place at UDC, and I think we’ll see a lot of participation,” Lahaye stated, noting that teams from states such as Nebraska and Texas have already confirmed their participation.

The National 4-H Soccer Cup is part of the broader Ignite by 4-H summit, aimed at enhancing athletic excellence and fostering sportsmanship among young athletes. The competition will highlight boys’ and girls’ teams as they showcase their skills on UDC’s new state-of-the-art athletic field.

In addition to the soccer matches, attendees will benefit from a series of educational workshops led by field experts throughout UDC’s Van Ness campus. Workshops will cover vital topics such as sports integrity, youth leadership, nutrition, crime prevention, and integrating STEM principles in sports. Opportunities for coach and referee licensing will also be available.

According to 4-H, over 1,000 youth travel to Washington, D.C., each year to attend the Ignite summit, making the National 4-H Soccer Cup a historic event for UDC and the entire organization.

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

Another Score for Lahaye

Lahaye has a track record of positively impacting youth sports at UDC. In 2023, he was awarded the Northeast Urban Extension Award for his “Healthy Living Urban Youth (Soccer) Program,” recognized for its significant community contributions. 

“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.” 

Dean Dwane Jones of CAUSES expressed pride in UDC’s involvement in this groundbreaking event. “This groundbreaking event, hosted at UDC’s main campus, will unite talented boys’ and girls’ soccer teams nationwide for a multi-day competition showcasing the next generation of leaders and athletes through collaboration, skill-building and unforgettable experiences,” Jones said.