Mission
Soccer Start is a sports participation program designed to introduce the sport of soccer to children living in economically depressed areas. The program targets disadvantaged children in rural, suburban and urban areas who need an activity outside of school, in their own environment. The philosophy of Soccer Start is that all children can benefit from an exposure to the sport, regardless of the level of parental involvement or ability to pay.


Program Description
Through a cooperative effort by U.S. Youth Soccer, STYSA, and local organizations, Soccer Start builds a "grass roots" program that uniquely fills the need of the community and children involved. Through the efforts of these support groups, soccer provides a tool to increase participants’ self-esteem, provide positive role models, and build social and life skills, while at the same time, providing exercise, fun, and pride for the children.


Targeted Youth
Soccer Start targets disadvantaged at-risk children, boys and girls from the ages of 6 to 18 years of age. These children may be classified at-risk due to:

• low household income
• exposure to crime and drugs
• language and cultural barriers (Soccer Start is an excellent means of assimilating children of 1st generation Americans into the mainstream culture)
• children of single parent homes
• children with learning disabilities
• children without any organized after school supervision (latchkey)
• children who score low on TASP state testing and need additional motivation to excel in school

STYSA Assistance
STYSA provides information and guidance to Member Associations in development of their Soccer Start programs. STYSA may provide limited financial assistance at the association’s request. STYSA coordinates the distribution of equipment provided for the Soccer Start programs.  For questions or additional information contact the STYSA office at 512 272-4553.