EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH SOCCER
WORKING TO GROW THE GAME Through the Grow the Game initiative, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is working to increase participation and experiences in soccer by bringing resources directly to underserved communities throughout its state association. That includes coach education, workshops, and clinics hosted by qualified trainers. Members can also receive new equipment and other resources to help grow the game. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Grassroots Soccer Manager JT Dorsey recently joined Touchline to share more information about the Grow the Game initiatives. By Dan Guttenplan
WHAT INSPIRED THE GROW THE GAME INITIATIVE? “THE STATE ASSOCIATION has always looked to help its members, but ultimately it stemmed from the decrease in participation numbers across the state of Pennsylvania. Going back to 2003, participation in the city of Philadelphia is down 70%. We did some research to determine what happened. We found that a lot of local clubs and coaches didn’t receive enough help and support. We’re trying to create a place of learning and equity for people and organizations. The gap seems to be widening between programs that have resources and programs that don’t ultimately leave kids out of the game. Some of the smaller clubs are volunteer-based, and we want to help educate and present opportunities so that everybody can learn if they want. We want to help our members create safe and inclusive environments for all kids.”
HOW HAS THE PROGRESS BEEN SO FAR? “WE WERE GETTING A LOT OF TRACTION AND then Covid hit. We restarted with learning opportunities through Zoom. Now we’re going to open our grants program in May. The mission of that is to help our members grow and rebuild the game in their communities. Across our state association soccer is down 30% because of the pandemic, so we’ve made it important to help our members support the children in their communities.
GROW THE GAME FUNDING TO REBUILD AND GROW THE GAME, WE MUST create safe space and peak interest of the kids in our communities. We can’t do what we’ve always done. We need to sustain and develop. Through the Grow the Game Fund and the Innovate to Grow Grant, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer will be
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Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer
epysa.org
Eastern Penn Technical Director Mike Barr instructs at a 7v7 Grassroots coaching course in Reading in April.
awarding a total of $50,000 to its members in an effort to increase participation where soccer has been depleted. We will use these funds to help members kick start their creative ideas to rebuild and expand their current programs. The (4) areas of interest will be: 1. Coach Education 2. Referee Education 3. Increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 4. Program Development.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION WORKSHOPS
AS PART OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA YOUTH Soccer’s Grow the Game campaign, the association is offering workshops to assist coaches in understanding different cultural backgrounds with a goal of making all leagues inclusive to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. “We’re helping organizations have a better understanding of how to be inclusive to all participants,” Dorsey said. “By having these educational seminars and workshops, we’ll be able to teach people to create inclusive environments making soccer the game for all kids. We believe it is not only important to create a physically safe space but also an emotionally safe space and we will invest to make this happen.” Examples of seminars include “Conceptualizations of Power & Privilege” and “A Strength-Based Approach to LGBTQ+ Youth.”
