Nike took advantage of the FIFA World Cup by spotlighting its new, soccer-focused X2 collection through community watch parties and in retail spaces. The effort, which ran through June, shows how retail can expand with targeted experiences that match specific fan interests.

Soccer Shots, an organization of youth soccer clinics at schools and public spaces in the US and Canada, is giving brands an opportunity to build relationships with new and experienced sports families. National and global brands are connecting with Soccer Shots families on the web, and with the orange Soccer Shots jersey that arrives in the mail. Organizations like Soccer Shots are a way for brands to gain a presence in front of sports parents that is very favorable to businesses that support their children’s athletics.