Soccer Ball Award 2024

Urban Initiatives honored Kirkland & Ellis and partner Neil Hirshman with the “Soccer Ball Award" as part of its annual awards program. Neil and the Firm were recognized in part for helping launch the Accelerator Fund, which doubled the organization’s budget and tripled the amount of youth served.

The “Soccer Ball Award" is presented annually to organizations/individuals that demonstrate exceptional service aiding in the positive impact that Urban Initiatives has on children and families in Chicago. Urban Initiatives’ mission is to use the power of sport and play to empower Chicago’s youth to achieve academic success, develop social-emotional skills and build social capital.