New Jersey Youth Soccer is proud to announce the launch of its College Affiliate Program, designed to connect college students and universities with meaningful opportunities to engage, collaborate and develop professionally within the youth soccer community. The program officially kicks off this fall with Seton Hall University as the first college to join the initiative.
Rooted in the NJYS vision to establish soccer as the preeminent sport in New Jersey that unites, grows and inspires a lifelong passion for the game, the College Affiliate Program serves as a direct extension of that commitment. By strategically connecting higher education with youth soccer development, the program engages college students in meaningful, hands-on opportunities that cultivate the next generation of leaders. Through collaboration, experiential learning and community engagement, the initiative helps expand access, build leadership, strengthen local connections and inspire lifelong participation in soccer across the state.
The College Affiliate Program provides students with unique, hands-on experiences across NJYS operations, allowing them to build practical skills while contributing to the growth and development of youth soccer across New Jersey. Participating students will have opportunities in a variety of areas, including event management, communications, marketing, leadership development and grassroots soccer programming.
“We are thrilled to be working with New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said B.J. Schecter, Executive Director of Seton Hall University’s Center for Sports Media. “Our students will have the opportunity to produce content on multiple platforms in a fast-paced setting. New Jersey Youth Soccer aligns perfectly with our goals of giving students experiential learning opportunities at premier events.”
Program Opportunities Include:
Career Development Program: Students participate in leadership webinars, mentorship initiatives and career preparation workshops, equipping them with tools and knowledge to pursue careers in soccer-related fields, sports management and nonprofit leadership.
Internships: Students gain practical experience working directly within NJYS business operations, including marketing, public relations, sponsorship and event management. These internships offer exposure to all facets of running a statewide youth sports organization.
Digital and Media Engagement: Students create and curate content for NJYS digital platforms, including photos, videos, reels and feature stories. Coverage includes major events such as the NJYS Awards Celebration, State Cup Finals, Let’s Play, TOPSoccer, FootGolf Championships and Growing the Girls Game. Students may also conduct interviews with players, coaches and award winners, assist with podcast preparation, and develop professional media skills in a real-world setting.
Students will have the chance to participate in grassroots programs and community initiatives that foster inclusion, accessibility and a lifelong love of soccer for players of all ages and abilities, giving them the opportunity to re-engage with the sport they knew as youth players while contributing to its growth in their communities.
As the program continues to grow, NJ Youth Soccer will showcase the community impact at Seton Hall University and highlight ways students can engage directly with NJYS initiatives, gaining hands-on experience while supporting soccer programs across the state. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in NJ Youth Soccer’s community and grassroots efforts. This includes assisting with local clinics, supporting outreach programs and participating in events that promote inclusion, accessibility and a lifelong love of soccer for players of all ages and abilities. Students will gain firsthand experience working alongside NJYS staff and volunteers, helping bring soccer programs to communities across the state while learning how a statewide youth sports organization operates. As the program grows and develops, there will be opportunities for students to participate in new initiatives, expanded events and innovative programs, further enhancing their experience and contribution to youth soccer in New Jersey.
“Our goal is to create a bridge between the college community and youth soccer,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Program Manager. “By working alongside students, we’re helping them gain real-world experience while strengthening programs that serve thousands of players across the state. We want students to leave the program with both professional skills and a deeper appreciation for the power of youth sports in building community.”
NJ Youth Soccer looks forward to expanding its College Affiliate network in the coming academic year, providing even more opportunities for students across New Jersey to engage, learn and make an impact through the game.
For more information about becoming a College Affiliate or collaborating with NJ Youth Soccer, contact Breeana Cassidy at breeana@njyouthsoccer.com.