Richard Leister, NJYS Contributor
NJ Youth Soccer Extends Community Outreach via Innovate to Grow Grant from U.S. Soccer
Through its Innovate to Grow initiative, New Jersey Youth Soccer is pleased to announce that Lyndhurst Youth Soccer Club has expanded the development of its recreation and travel programs. The Innovate to Grow Fund (ITG) was recently introduced by the U.S. Soccer Federation in pursuit of its mission to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. The community outreach program seeks to develop underserved soccer communities, with an overall focus on building the sport at the grassroots level.
“We are very excited to be joining a strong organization like NJ Youth Soccer,” said Joe Baratta, President of Lyndhurst Youth Soccer Club. “As a member club, we are looking forward to participating in the Innovate to Grow program, as we seek to improve our soccer club and the player experience we offer.”
Based in Bergen County, the Lyndhurst Youth Soccer Club (LYSC) was founded in 1976 and has been deeply rooted in the community ever since. Comprised of approximately 500 players from ages 4 to 15, LYSC plays their home games at the Lyndhurst Recreation Center. LYSC strives to provide a safe and competitive playing environment, offering fall and spring programs with both recreation and travel play. As a small community-based organization, LYSC encounters its fair share of challenges. However, through increased communication with its members, the club has continued to grow, increase engagement and retain players within its organization.
Over the past few years, LYSC has adopted and implemented the player development model proposed by US Soccer, which includes appropriate playing formats at all ages and levels. In addition, the club was able to expand their Kinder Kickers Academy, which is a program designed for 4 to 5 year olds. This has been a great step for the club as they are able to bring in younger participants and offer them their first playing experience. Despite the challenges presented this past year, LYSC was still able to offer recreation and travel leagues, as well as host their annual Spooktacular Halloween Tournament in October.
“We are thrilled to see the progress that NJYS has made using the ITG grant in the past two years,” said Cindy Cone, US Soccer President. “The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all.”
As an NJYS member club, LYSC is looking forward to participating in the ITG program to help continue its growth. LYSC believes that the goals of ITG align with their aspirations as an organization. With the help of NJ Youth Soccer and ITG, the club will continue to focus on both player and coaching development initiatives to provide the most competitive environment possible. Further, as the club aims for increased local and regional visibility, LYSC hopes to expand their offerings of tournaments and events in the region.
For more information on the Lyndhurst Youth Soccer Club, make sure to check them out online.
For more information about Innovate to Grow, please contact David Ricca, NJYS Innovate to Grow Consultant, at [email protected]. To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email[email protected]. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer