About the Program
This new initiative by NJ Youth Soccer is dedicated to using youth soccer as a vehicle for professional development and career opportunities. This developing program plans to educate students on additional leadership and growth opportunities, on and off the field.
The NJYS Student Mentorship Program provides students with an opportunity to establish a career-themed experience in NJ Youth Soccer Events. The practical experience at NJ Youth Soccer Events includes NJYS State Cups (Fall and Spring), NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health, NJYS Annual General Meeting and the NJYS Let’s Play! Program.
The core of the Student Mentorship Program is an umbrella of three NJYS Services:
- Practical Experience with NJYS events
- Professional training and networking
- One-on-one mentoring
Our practical experience with NJYS events helps students gain hands on experience in multiple roles. Our events help our students obtain the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of events both during and prior to our events.
Our one-on-one mentoring and professional training and networking has highlighted group webinars that have featured keynote speakers that have provided our students with a range of connections and career expertise. Our webinar guests have included Shaun Oliver, Vice President of Operations for the NY Red Bulls, Rick Meana, NJYS Director of Coaching, Ellie Carlson, Marketing Coordinator at NJ/NY Gotham FC, and John Archibald CEO of Resolution Promotions. Our program will continue to feature many more insightful personnel at our student webinars.
About U.S. Soccer’s Innovate to Grow Fund:
Recognizing the vital role that its member organizations play in the growth of soccer in the U.S., U.S. Soccer established the Innovate to Grow (ITG) Fund in 2017 to help U.S. Soccer member organizations launch new and innovative programs designed to grow participation in their markets, providing up to $3 million of funding total per year. Since its inception, ITG has granted over $9.8 million in funding through 145 awards to U.S. Soccer members across the country, as well as provide COVID-19 relief and recovery funds during 2020 and 2021. Learn more about U.S. Soccer’s members at
Details:
In addition to these mentoring services, the Student Mentorship Program also provides a scholarship opportunity and stipend travel to NJ Youth Soccer Events for the student members within the program. This initiative also provides the opportunity of receiving free training (e.g. coaching education).
Student Mentorship Program is designed to help students gain hands on involvement with our organization, grow their network, and provide a pathway for career experience!
Program Notes
See below to learn more about how you can support the NJYS Student Mentorship Program.
Application – NJ Youth Soccer is still looking to accept more students into its Student Mentorship Program! Students who are interested in taking part should submit their inquiry (please include a resume) 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.