NJ Youth Soccer Extends Community Outreach via Innovate to Grow Grant from U.S. Soccer from U.S. Soccer
Khya Robinson, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer announced the addition of United Nations Soccer School as a member club through its Innovate to Grow community outreach. The Innovate to Grow Fund was introduced by the U.S. Soccer Federation in pursuit of its mission to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States.
The initiative seeks to develop underserved soccer communities, with an overall focus on building the sport at the grassroots level.
We are thrilled to see the progress that NJYS has made using the ITG grant in the past two years,”
Cindy Cone, US Soccer President
“The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all,” said Cindy Cone, US Soccer President.
United Nations Soccer School was established two years ago with a vision of giving the children of Newark an opportunity to become the best they can be. As word continued to spread about their commitment to grassroots soccer, more students started to join.
United Nations Soccer School grew from initially teaching four players to soon developing many more players. Some students entered the program without any prior playing experience, but they quickly gained a better understanding of soccer and improved their soccer skills.
While United Nations Soccer School has already achieved success as a club, it has also had its share of obstacles to overcome.
Due to being a new program, it is challenging for United Nations Soccer School to obtain a field, yet their staff remains focused on the needs of the students and community. They utilize a park for training now but hope to acquire their own field soon. United Nations Soccer School aspires to teach their students to become the best they can be, despite obstacles, all while creating a team that sticks together through any challenges.
“We are looking forward to the opportunity where all of our kids will get to practice with others of their same level. Also, we look to utilize resources from NJ Youth Soccer to make us better as players, admins and coaches,” stated Segundo Gonzalez, President of United Nations Soccer School. “I thank David Ricca for recognizing the need for support of our club, and we are so excited to be a member of NJ Youth Soccer. We now know that we are not alone anymore to get the kids of Newark off the streets.”
As a member of NJ Youth Soccer, United Nations Soccer School is looking forward to a mutually beneficial partnership. With the help of the state association, United Nations Soccer School hopes to obtain resources that will give the club and its players the best opportunity to grow.
Based on their interactions with NJYS leadership to date, United Nations Soccer School is optimistic for what the future holds.
“Segundo’s passion for soccer is contagious, and it is amazing to see his dedication to giving these kids an opportunity like this, on and off the field,” said David Ricca, NJYS ITG Project Consultant. “I am excited to see United Nations Soccer School grow even more, and they have our full support to do so.”
As the club moves forward, United Nations Soccer School aspires to participate in national and international tournaments while continuing its growth with a group of motivated people who embrace the grassroots philosophy and know that the children must always come first.
For more information about Innovate to Grow, please contact David Ricca, NJYS Innovate to Grow Consultant, at david@njyouthsoccer.com. To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
