New Jersey Youth Soccer

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LET’S PLAY! PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The New Jersey Youth Soccer Let’s Play! Program is an after-school initiative designed to transform the lives of participants by providing a safe, character-building, community-supported program that helps to teach social and emotional skills while fighting obesity and related illnesses.

Let’s Play! is designed to reduce negative behavior, improve mental health and well-being, and improve educational and academic achievement all while growing excitement around the beautiful game of soccer!

Details

  • Let’s Play! is a low-cost, safe, after-school program that uses soccer as a vehicle to directly and positively impact the lives of participants while indirectly, strengthening and positively impacting communities.
  • The program takes place at school one day per week for six to eight (6-8) weeks in the fall (Sept./Oct.) and again in the spring (April/May). Each session lasts 60-75 minutes, focusing on soccer training and incorporating nutrition and life skills training (SEL).
  • Each participant receives a free branded t-shirt and soccer ball. Player gear (e.g., cleats, shin guards) can be provided free of charge by Leveling the Playing Field (where needed), and all coaches are trained with key Coaching for Character and Coaching with Empathy fundamentals by Coaching Corps. The coach-to-student ratio is no more than 1:15 in addition to high school mentors. 

Sample Curriculum

Week 1

Welcome to the Program

  • Coming to Play
  • Showing Up, Being Ready – FUNdamentals

Week 2

Persistence

  • Dribbling
  • Turning with the Ball

Week 3

Optimism

  • 1v1 Skills

Week 4

Self-Regulation

  • Passing Skills

Week 5

Empathy

  • Shooting
  • Finishing

Week 6

Persistence

  • Passing
  • Teamwork

Week 7

Optimism

  • Shooting
  • Finishing

Week 8

Self-Regulation

  • End of Season Games

Support

Please support Let’s Play! by giving of your time, gently used equipment, money, or all of the above!

Time

Many opportunities exist for you to give of your time. If you are interested in volunteering at one or more of the Let’s Play! program locations, or if you would like to champion a new location, then please send an email to: Breeana@njyouthsoccer.com

Money

Financial support is greatly needed to continue offering this program to many amazing children. Please see the following Let’s Play! supporter levels:

• Platinum ($100,000+)
• Diamond ($50,000-$99,999)
• Gold ($10,000)
• Silver ($5,000)
• Bronze (up to $4,999)

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible as NJYS is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization.