Interest in the sport of soccer is at
its highest level ever, with more than 19 million children
ages five – 19,
from Portland, ME to Portland, OR, on city streets and
in suburban fields, playing the game. More children
are participating in organized soccer than peewee football,
youth basketball or Little League Baseball. For these
children, soccer is more than a pastime, it is a passion.
Recognizing the impact and importance
the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of
America’s families,
US Youth Soccer, with 3.2 million members, the nation’s
largest youth sports association, is spearheading the third
annual Youth Soccer Month - Celebrating Soccer in America,
this September. Why is soccer so popular? Because
it offers children the opportunity to participate in a
healthy lifestyle, be physically active and develop social
skills while making new friends.
The Four Pillars of Youth Soccer Month
Throughout Youth Soccer Month, a
series of messages will be highlighted to illustrate “Celebrating Soccer
in America.” Each week during Youth Soccer
Month, a different message will be the focus of communication
and programming:
Week One - Fitness: The
health and fitness (physical, psychological and social)
benefit of playing soccer.
Week Two - Friendship: The
relationships and fun generated through playing soccer
extend beyond the field.
Week Three - Family: Playing
soccer ties families together as schedules, vacation
and family time are coordinated.
Week Four - Fun: Whether
recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in
soccer is easy and affordable.
Celebrating Soccer in America
Additionally, Youth Soccer Month
is comprised of a month-long mixture of national and
grassroots events designed to raise awareness of the
benefits of participating in “The
beautiful game.” Youth Soccer Month also highlights
the various programs available to children interested in
participating in soccer, including the inner city, special
needs, recreational and elite soccer programs that have
facilitated the growth of the sport at all levels. In
fact, the messages of Youth Soccer Month mirror those of
the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports – communicating
the importance of physical activity/fitness and exercise
and their link to good health, while also furthering President
Bush’s vision of a healthier United States where
citizens are physically active every day, value nutrition
and avoid risky behaviors.
Goals of Youth Soccer Month
Youth Soccer Month can be implemented
for a day, week or the entire month of September 2005. The
following objectives of the Celebration may be modified
to fit the needs of a specific US Youth Soccer State
Association.
- Raise awareness of US Youth Soccer and the benefits
of playing the game
-
Emphasize soccer as the number one youth participation
sport in America and a leading contributor to the healthy
lifestyle of millions of American families
-
Bring kids and families of all ages and all abilities
together for fun, friendship and fitness
- Highlight the various programs
available to children interested in participating in
soccer, including inner-city, special needs, recreational and
elite soccer programs
Who can participate in the Youth Soccer Month Celebration?
Everyone! Although US Youth Soccer conceptualized
Youth Soccer Month, we are not claiming the celebration
of Youth Soccer Month as our own. We want the entire
country to celebrate the sport of soccer throughout the
month of September each year. There are too many
reasons to count why soccer is such an important and inspirational
part of every day lives. US Youth Soccer has claimed
September as a time to draw attention to our sport and
celebrate it with all who are involved, from players to
coaches and referees, to parents and siblings, to teachers
and administrators, to spectators and fans…everyone
can find a reason to celebrate “The Game for
All Kids!”.
How can a State Association participate in the
Youth Soccer Month Celebration?
Youth Soccer Month is an opportunity
for State Associations to take advantage of the national
attention created from the US Youth Soccer National Office
surrounding Youth Soccer Month.
- Contact your Mayor
Send the attached sample letter and proclamation to your
Mayor/Governor and have your city/state officially recognize
September as Youth Soccer Month.
- Use your media resources
Contact local newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations. Make
them aware that September is Youth Soccer Month and convince
them that soccer in your state is worthy of a headline. Use
the sample press release attached to get you started.
- Reach out to college and professional
teams in your community
Celebrate Youth Soccer in your community by supporting
your local collegiate and professional teams. Propose a “Youth
Soccer Day” at their respective matches and get youth
teams to have a fun night attending their matches.
- Work with the schools in your
community
Approach Universities and High Schools encouraging them
to bring inner-city kids to campus for games and events
at the school. Ask college teams to work with your
clubs/teams/programs or to visit schools in the area to
talk about the benefits of participation.
- Reach out to your community
Distribute flyers and/or display posters in community
buildings. Organize mini soccer matches in town
squares, city parks and other high-traffic lunch areas. Host
a “Youth Soccer Media Day” and invite local
newspaper reporters, television personalities and radio
celebrities to participate in a round-robin tournament
with local pros. Use the Youth Soccer Month logo
to draw attention to the nationwide celebration of Youth
Soccer in America. Capitalize on the special attention!
- Present special awards
Take this opportunity to create a new award in honor
of Youth Soccer Month. Consider a web driven
contest for the:
- “Youth
Soccer Month Award” judged on talent, sportsmanship,
scholastics, or
- “Player of the Week” judged
on one of the four pillars of Youth Soccer Month
- Engage your sponsors
If your state association has partnered with local or
national organizations for support, invite them to get
involved. Ask them to promote the month by offering
special discounts to customers in honor of the month, or
perhaps to display or distribute your state association’s
informational materials at their retail outlets branded
with the Youth Soccer Month logo. Maybe they would
be willing to donate product for or participate in an event/tournament
hosted by your state association next month.
- Reach out to other organizations
Coordinate with local charities such as hospitals and
Special Olympics chapters to discuss ways to collaborate
and celebrate! Speak with local chapters of Girl/Boy
Scouts about ways to introduce their membership to soccer. Work
with theme parks or other entertainment attractions to
host free soccer clinics and fun soccer-related activities
as part of their recognition of Youth Soccer Month.