Over the summer, the Premier League brought a series of community events to local clubs during its Premier League Summer Series. Among the first to benefit from this groundbreaking initiative were Piscataway Soccer Club and Kearny Thistle United, two New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) member clubs that hosted player clinics and coaching workshops led by Premier League Community Coaches.
A Partnership with Global Reach and Local Impact
The events were part of a newly announced three-year partnership between the Premier League, the State of New Jersey and the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The program is designed to develop more than 500 local soccer coaches and provide vital coaching and sports development resources to over 10,000 youth players across the state, particularly in underserved communities.
“The Premier League is proud to support the development of the game at all levels, and during the Summer Series, we were delighted to continue our legacy of supporting coaches and young players in the NJ Youth Soccer local communities,” said Nick Perchard, Director of Community at the Premier League.
Bringing the Program to Life in New Jersey
In Piscataway, Community Coaches from the Premier League, Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United led three events over two days hosted by Piscataway Soccer Club. The program included two evening coaching workshops for 25 local coaches, where participants received professional insights, new training exercises and a Premier League-branded training kit. During the day, two player training clinics were held for 11U and older players, each welcoming 40 participants. Players rotated through three different stations led by Premier League coaches, developing new skills while also receiving Premier League-branded gear to take home.
For Kearny Thistle United, the partnership provided a well-designed youth clinic along with the chance for coaches to learn directly from Premier League ambassadors. The sessions emphasized both skill development and the broader life lessons of the game.
Coaches’ Perspectives
The impact of the events was best captured by those who participated.
“This experience was excellent,” stated one coach who took part. “I came in not knowing what to expect but left with so much that I can use to help me become a better coach. The trainers were engaging and knowledgeable. Great time.”
“I love the fact that we got this opportunity to learn from the Premier League ambassadors,” shared another coach. “This was a fantastic experience that I would love to experience many more times. I greatly appreciate it all.”
A Meaningful Experience for Local Clubs
For Piscataway Soccer Club, the opportunity was extremely memorable, as noted by Chuck Myers who serves on both the NJYS and Piscataway SC Boards.
“Ultimately, it was incredibly worthwhile,” he reflected. “I learned a lot about the goals of both the Premier League and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Piscataway SC definitely benefited from the experience.”
Myers further emphasized the value of adding the Premier League’s workshops to the broader coaching education landscape in New Jersey, alongside existing NJ Youth Soccer courses and US Youth Soccer supported programs.
Looking Ahead
As the Premier League Summer Series drew fans to MetLife Stadium, these community events showcased the tournament’s lasting legacy in New Jersey. By combining international expertise with local passion, the partnership is strengthening the grassroots game and inspiring the next generation of players and coaches across the Garden State.
To find out 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