Grassroots Goals: Scotts and Tyler Adams Champion Real Turf for Youth Soccer

MARYSVILLE, Ohio – May 12, 2026 – As the global soccer community gears up for a summer of high-stakes competition, a battle of a different sort is being waged on local fields across America. Lawn care giant Scotts®, in partnership with U.S. Men's National Soccer Team star Tyler Adams, is doubling down on its "Keep It Real" initiative, a program aimed at expanding access to natural grass playing fields for young athletes. The expanded effort signals a firm stance in the contentious debate over the future of athletic surfaces, prioritizing natural turf for player safety, development, and community well-being.

Building on a successful 2025 campaign, the initiative has already invested over $400,000, enabling more than 2,000 children to play on natural grass through a partnership with the national nonprofit Every Kid Sports. Now, the program is setting its sights on a new season of revitalization, beginning with a deeply personal project for its athletic ambassador.

A Hometown Return to Real Grass

For Tyler Adams, the initiative is more than a partnership; it's a return to his roots. This summer, Scotts will restore the very childhood field in Wappingers Falls, New York, where the decorated midfielder first honed his skills. This project follows last year's kickoff, which saw a local pitch renamed the "Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch" and celebrated with a youth field day.

The personal connection underscores the program's core message: the playing surface matters. "As I prepare to compete on the world's biggest stage, nothing compares to playing on real grass," Adams stated in a press release. "It's where I fell in love with the game and built the foundation that shaped me as a player, and as a dad, I love passing that on to my son. Through 'Keep It Real,' we're making sure more kids get that same opportunity, starting in my hometown."

In addition to the Wappingers Falls restoration, the initiative will refurbish fields for five youth sports nonprofits selected through a 2025 sweepstakes, extending its reach and impact to more communities in need of high-quality, natural playing surfaces.

The Great Turf Debate: Safety, Performance, and the Environment

The "Keep It Real" initiative arrives at a critical juncture in the ongoing "turf war" between natural grass and its synthetic alternatives. While artificial turf is often touted for its durability and lower maintenance, a growing body of research and athlete testimony has raised serious concerns about its impact on player safety and the environment.

Numerous sports medicine studies have linked artificial surfaces to a higher incidence of specific injuries. Research has shown that college football players are nearly three times more likely to suffer a PCL knee tear on turf, while other analyses point to a 1.6 times greater risk of ACL tears for some collegiate athletes. The NFL Players Association has been a vocal advocate for natural grass, citing player safety as a primary concern. The issue often comes down to surface mechanics; the high friction of many artificial surfaces can cause an athlete's cleats to stick, leading to increased rotational force on joints and a higher rate of ankle and foot injuries.

"Natural grass is essential for safer play and healthier communities," said John Sass, senior vice president of the lawns business unit and chief creative officer at ScottsMiracle-Gro. "From reducing injuries with a softer, more forgiving surface to supporting overall well-being, real grass continues to outperform artificial turf where it matters most which is why we're investing in natural fields for the next generation through 'Keep It Real'."

Beyond physical safety, environmental questions loom large. Artificial fields can become dangerously hot, with surface temperatures on sunny days reaching 140-175°F, posing a risk of heat-related illness. Furthermore, the degradation of these fields releases microplastics and infill materials, which can contain heavy metals and other chemicals, into surrounding soil and waterways. At the end of their 15-to-25-year lifespan, the non-biodegradable carpets contribute tons of waste to landfills. In contrast, natural grass fields provide a cooling effect, absorb carbon dioxide, and support local ecosystems.

Scoring for Good: A Model of Corporate Impact

Scotts' initiative serves as a compelling case study in modern corporate social responsibility (CSR), blending business interests with tangible community benefits. The program is a key component of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company's broader "GroMoreGood" mission, which focuses on connecting people with the benefits of gardens and green spaces.

By championing natural grass, the company not only advocates for a cause aligned with its corporate values but also reinforces the market for its core lawn and garden care products. However, the program's structure and partnerships lend it significant credibility. The collaboration with Every Kid Sports, a national 501(c)(3) with a top-tier Platinum Transparency rating from GuideStar, ensures that the financial support is managed effectively to remove barriers for low-income families. Every Kid Sports has a proven track record, having helped thousands of children access sports by covering registration fees.

This strategic philanthropy allows Scotts to lead a critical conversation on sports infrastructure while building brand loyalty and demonstrating a commitment that goes beyond simple product sales. By leveraging the star power and authentic story of an athlete like Tyler Adams, the "Keep It Real" message is amplified, resonating with parents, coaches, and community leaders. The initiative encourages a holistic view of green spaces, urging homeowners and municipalities alike to invest in the real grass that brings people together, whether in a backyard or on a community playing field.

The work in Wappingers Falls and the five other selected communities represents a tangible investment in the future of youth sports, providing safer, more enjoyable environments where the next generation of athletes can fall in love with the game.