Breeana Cassidy, New Jersey Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer is excited to announce the inclusion of Ocean County Recreation in the growing network of US Youth Soccer’s (USYS) League America initiative. USYS League America is designed to expand grassroots and recreational soccer opportunities across the country, providing local communities with enhanced resources and support to help players of all ages and skill levels thrive.
The USYS League America initiative is not just a new league, it is a movement aimed at fostering a sense of unity, teamwork and passion for the game by connecting players, coaches and families through the power of soccer. By joining League America, Ocean County Recreation (OCR) is now part of a large grassroots soccer network.
“Joining forces with USYS League America elevates Ocean County Recreation Soccer by providing our players with enhanced development opportunities and the support of an organization dedicated to fostering growth in youth soccer,” said Bill Smith, MOSA President & Former OCR President.
The addition of Ocean County Recreation is a significant step forward in expanding USYS League America across New Jersey. As leagues join a growing network of USYS League America partners, they will benefit from a nationwide movement that connects local communities with valuable tools, resources and support. Ocean County Recreation is a pivotal player in the NJ Youth Soccer community, and their inclusion in USYS League America marks an exciting new chapter for the league.
Ocean County Recreation serves as the core recreation league in Ocean County with up to 14 participating clubs that include Barnegat, Beachwood, Berkley, Brick, Jackson, Lacey, Lakewood, Marlboro, MTSA, Pinelands, Point Pleasant, Stafford, Toms River FC and Twin County. The league serves more than 1,000 recreation players each season. With the help of USYS League America, Ocean County Recreation is gaining access to additional resources that will help further develop its teams within the league and provide even more opportunities for players to grow within the sport.
“League America was designed to allow all grassroots players to feel that they are a part of the largest league in the world,” said Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer. “We’re thrilled that NJ Youth Soccer is adding to the growing list of teams playing under League America around the country.”
Ocean County Recreation is already experiencing the impact of League America’s resources, which include:
- Exclusive Educational Materials: Access to USYS University, which offers coaching courses, player and parent resources, and more additional tools for recreational soccer.
- Program Support & Marketing: Strategies and tools to help leagues grow and maintain engaging programs, along with promotional support from USYS to expand their reach.
- Growth Pathways: Structured programs that provide players with a clear pathway from recreational to competitive levels, ensuring continued development.
Additional Benefits of USYS League America provided by NJYS include:
- Safe Soccer: A comprehensive player safety program ensuring a secure environment for all participants.
- Grants and Grassroots Programming: Innovate to Grow efforts that support the growth of grassroots soccer clubs and leagues.
- Coaching Education: Access to NJYS Coaching Education to ensure the highest quality player development and coaching.
- Full-Time Staff Support: Dedicated NJYS staff members are available to help clubs and leagues with day-to-day operations to help solidify long-term growth.
Join the USYS League America Family
NJ Youth Soccer encourages other leagues and clubs interested in joining this transformative initiative to reach out. Together, we can shape the future of soccer in New Jersey and across the country, ensuring that every player, coach and family has the opportunity to enjoy and succeed in the beautiful game. For more information or to inquire about joining USYS League America, contact breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.
For more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer