What is Youth Soccer Month?
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.
Come on out and celebrate Youth Soccer Month in September with a proclamation or action day event.
Download Templates for Contact Letters, Proclamations & Press Releases & YSM Logos
Goals of Youth Soccer Month
Youth Soccer Month can be implemented for a day, week or the entire month of September. 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
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 Obama's vision of a healthier United States where citizens are physically active every day, value nutrition and avoid risky behaviors.
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