MLS GO Program to Grow Access to Youth Soccer and Development in NorCal and New Jersey

NEW YORK – Major League Soccer announced MLS GO, the youth recreational soccer program of MLS, with partner with United States Youth Soccer (USYS) state associations Cal North Youth Soccer Association and New Jersey Youth Soccer. The goal is to grow access to sport and combat pay to play.

The associations will service over 100,000 youth recreational soccer players and hundreds of youth clubs. Organizations can apply to become league operators and get access to resources. MLS clubs New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union and San Jose Earthquakes will be involved.

“Partnering with Cal North and New Jersey Youth Soccer Associations is a testament to the vision of both organizations and the top-tier resources MLS GO can provide,” said Kyle Albrecht, Vice President of MLS GO. “We look forward to continuing to grow the game at the grassroots level and increase participation and access to soccer through these partnerships and the implementations of the MLS GO PLAY FUND and MLS GO PLAYBOOK.”

The GO FUND is an annual financial commitment from MLS that will offset the cost of operations and equipment for operators. The league will also be launching the PLAYBOOK, a free-to-access coaching resource available via desktop online. There’s even going to be a mobile app set up for it through the TeamSnap and MOJO. Programs will target coaching for players aged 4 to 14.

“We are excited to launch the MLS GO PLAYBOOK as a resource that increases access to youth soccer
coaching materials and aids in MLS GO’s mission of improving participation in recreational soccer by players from all backgrounds and genders,” said Fred Lipka, MLS Vice President of Player and Youth Development. “The curriculum encourages steady development for both players and coaches while creating an enjoyable soccer experience.”

Similar to the initiative behind the Colorado Rapids One Flag kit, this is absolutely a step in the right direction for American Soccer. It would have been nice to have it in more markets to start, but maybe that will come in time. There’s no impact on the state of Colorado for example. But if nothing else, some kids and youth coaches in the Bay Area and New Jersey will have easier access to the sport.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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