APS Middle School League
New Mexico Youth Soccer Association
Summary
New Mexico APS Middle School League provides recreational opportunities for new soccer players while also creating pathways for teachers and community members to become coaches. The case study provides insights into the program model and shares learnings that other organizations can take away.
This program is an ITG-supported program. Recognizing the vital role that Federation Members play in the growth of soccer in the U.S., the Innovate to Grow Fund was established in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to make soccer more accessible to all.
HOW AND WHEN IT CAN HELP
- To inform program design for other organizations exploring innovative approaches to grow participation, especially for underserved youth.
- When developing approaches to engage and support new coaches into the game.
- To demonstrate how ITG funding supports sustainable and inclusive soccer programs.
- When identifying scalable models that can be replicated in other communities.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
It highlights innovative approaches to soccer development, with lessons that other organizations can learn from and adapt. While focusing on increasing participation, NMYSA have also used that the program as a more holistic development initiative, supporting coaches and referees to engage and thrive in soccer as well.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- How will your program address barriers to participation in your community?
- What assets exist in the volunteer community where you work, and how can you best harness and support them?
- What partnerships will be needed to sustain the program beyond initial funding?
- How can the lessons from this case study inform your own local programming?
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
New Mexico Youth Soccer Association is an active member of U.S. Soccer committed to growing the game through innovative programming and community partnerships. They represent, govern, and oversee 45 member league/club affiliates, and serve approximately 24,000 registered players, coaches, and administrators throughout New Mexico. Their mission is to engage communities, making the beautiful game possible through collaboration, innovation, service, and safety. To learn more visit NMYSA.net.
CREDITING CONTRIBUTORS
The Resource Hub is made possible by the generosity of contributors. It demonstrates the rich expertise and collective team spirit that exists across our soccer community.
All resources that have been contributed to the Resource Hub are free for users of the Hub to learn from, adapt and implement in their own organization and community.
Where relevant, we encourage users of the resources to formally or informally credit the resource creator, to acknowledge their expertise and generosity.