Supporting access to soccer for girls of color
Delaware Youth Soccer Association
Summary
This program from Delaware YSA focuses on creating opportunities for girls of color from low-income communities to experience the game of soccer in a safe, supportive environment. The case study provides insights into the program model and shares learnings that other organizations can take away.
This 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 girls of color and low income communities.
- To demonstrate how ITG funding can be used to support sustainable and inclusive soccer programs.
- When identifying scalable models that can be replicated in other communities.
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
It includes descriptions of very specific elements of the program design – the use of contacts with young people, how values are emphasized throughout, the importance of language accessibility – that can be directly lifted and adapted to other programs, organizations and communities.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING THIS RESOURCE
- How will your program address barriers to participation in your community? Are the voices and experiences of the groups you’re trying to engage represented in your design?
- What partnerships will be needed to sustain the program beyond initial funding? Think about financial partners, but also community and staff partners.
- How can the lessons from this case study inform your own local programming? What can be taken from the model, and what do you need to adapt?
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Delaware Youth Soccer Association is an active member of U.S. Soccer committed to growing the game through innovative programming and community partnerships.
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.