Aspire in the World Fellows Book - 2025

12 13 11TH ASPIRE ACADEMY GLOBAL SUMMIT ASPIRE IN THE WORLD FELLOWS Philadelphia is known around the world as the birthplace of modern America, as it is the city where the USA’s founding fathers met to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is also home to Major League Soccer team, the Philadelphia Union, one of the original members of the Aspire in the World Fellows. With the FIFAWorld Cup 2026 set to be played in Mexico, Canada and the USA and the city hosting six matches, it was an ideal place for the 11th edition of the Aspire Academy Global Summit. Philadelphia is a true sporting city and one of just 11 in the USA that boasts top-tier teams in all four of the nation’s most popular sports: American football (NFL), baseball (MLB), basketball (NBA) and ice hockey (NHL). The city’s sporting landmarks sit alongside its historical ones. Among the iconic locations are the Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell, which together symbolize America’s birth and freedom. The city’s architecture reflects centuries of history, from colonial streets to grand museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, whose steps were immortalized in the Oscar-winning sports film, Rocky. PHILADELPHIA (02) PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia’s impact as a sporting hub will be further solidified in 2026 when the FIFA World Cup 2026 comes to the city. The home of the city’s NFL team, the Philadelphia Eagles, the 69,000-seat Lincoln Financial Field, will host five group matches and a round of 16 games at next year’s World Cup. Among the teams playing in Philadelphia will be five-time winners Brazil and two- time champions France. Sport and history will once again be celebrated together with a last-16 match on the 4th of July, in Philadelphia, as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.