Coca‑Cola Kicks Off the Coca‑Cola FC Academy, Aiming to Power Future Careers in Sports & Beyond

December 3, 2025 – With FIFA World Cup 26™ on the horizon, Coca‑Cola today launched Coca‑Cola FC (Future Careers) Academy — an ambitious new soccer-inspired learning and career development experience, designed to equip young people with the skills and confidence to step into sports marketing and related industries.

Coca‑Cola FC Academy blends real‑world know‑how, industry connections, and insider access to help the next generation of leaders score career goals before, during, and beyond the tournament, and is available in Canada and in the U.S.

Coca‑Cola has been an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ since 1978 and will once again be a part of all the emotion and celebration of the tournament, refreshing fans throughout with iconic drinks like Coca‑Cola and Powerade. Inspired by the upcoming tournament, Coca‑Cola also aims to create meaningful opportunities for communities and drive economic growth and inclusion, creating an impact that extends far beyond the tournament.

“Our mission is to inspire and make a positive impact, and initiatives like the Coca‑Cola FC Academy allow us to help young Canadians build skills, confidence, and future opportunities, while partnering with organizations that strengthen local communities,” said Andy Buckingham, General Manager of Coca‑Cola Canada. “Whether it’s on the pitch or beyond, our commitment extends well past serving refreshing drinks — we’re dedicated to leaving a meaningful, long‑term legacy that supports and empowers the communities we’re part of.”
 

A Front‑Row Seat to Career Opportunity

Coca‑Cola FC Academy is a dynamic digital learning experience delivered to Canadian youth in partnership with The King’s Trust Canada, a leading youth organization in Canada.

Participants progress through a flexible, module‑based curriculum covering sports marketing, media, sponsorships, creative design, and leadership — all taught by subject matter expert “professors,” both from inside Coca‑Cola and across the wider sports and soccer communities.

Students have the opportunity to earn digital certifications, connect with mentors, and unlock access to work opportunities via a dedicated job board powered by TeamWork Online. In 2026, the upcoming tournament and related experiences in host cities Toronto and Vancouver, will add real‑time relevance to their learning journey.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Coca‑Cola to invest in the next generation of young Canadians as we showcase the power of sport in developing key skills that employers are actively seeking.” said Jeffrey Orridge, CEO at The King’s Trust Canada. “Together, we’re creating pathways that young people in Canada are excited about and will undoubtedly thrive in—developing the confidence, leadership skills, and community connections needed to foster long-term success.”
 

Building Skills, Breaking Barriers

By the time tournament play begins next year, the program aims to engage 6,000 youth participants and train 130 FIFA volunteers for the upcoming tournament, across Canada and the U.S..

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Coca‑Cola FC Academy,” said Diana Matheson, Canadian Olympic medallist, former Canada Soccer national team player and professor for the Coca‑Cola FC Academy. “Soccer has opened doors, expanded horizons and built skills that have shaped every part of my life. Through this program, we can inspire and excite the next generation and give young people across Canada the tools and confidence to chase their goals — on the field and beyond.”
 

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Looking Beyond the Tournament

Alongside developing young leaders through Coca‑Cola FC Academy, Coca‑Cola is also supporting a broader suite of economic empowerment programs that seek to expand their footprints and strengthen communities across tournament host cities in Canada. These initiatives focus on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and educational advancement in underserved communities.

Expanded support for the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UPBI), housed within the Keough School of Global Affairs, and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society will help enable expanded access to business training, mentorship, education, and job placement. This boost in resources will empower both organizations to further scale their impact in Canada, bringing career‑building opportunities to more individuals than ever before.

Together, the launch of Coca‑Cola FC Academy and the additional investments for these programs are designed to ensure the energy of the tournament sparks growth and opportunity for a wide array of communities — and extend far beyond the tournament.

Coca‑Cola FC Academy is now live and available for ages 13+ to participate. To explore the Coca‑Cola FC Academy, visit here.