MLS GO Partners with Leading US Youth Soccer State Associations to Support Access and Participation to Recreational Soccer

NEW YORK – Major League Soccer today announced partnerships with leading United States Youth Soccer (USYS) state associations Cal North Youth Soccer Association and New Jersey Youth Soccer with MLS GO, the youth recreational soccer program of MLS, to support access to, participation in, and the growth of soccer for children across the country.

Collectively, these associations service over 100,000 youth recreational soccer players and hundreds of clubs that have established recreation programs in their communities. Through these partnerships, organizations from both state associations can apply to be MLS GO league operators and receive access to MLS GO programming and resources, including MLS-branded MLS GO uniforms and benefits from their local MLS clubs, the New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union for New Jersey and the San Jose Earthquakes for Cal North.

“Partnering with Cal North and New Jersey Youth Soccer Associations is a testament to the vision of both organizations and the top-tier resources MLS GO can provide,” said Kyle Albrecht, Vice President of MLS GO. “We look forward to continuing to grow the game at the grassroots level and increase participation and access to soccer through these partnerships and the implementations of the MLS GO PLAY FUND and MLS GO PLAYBOOK.”

Among the resources available to the state associations, as well as MLS GO league operators and individual MLS GO players, is the MLS GO PLAY FUND, an annual financial commitment from MLS to help offset seasonal costs such as equipment and facilities. The PLAY FUND will continue to ensure as many children as possible can participate in youth recreational soccer programs and advance MLS GO’s objective of removing economic barriers to play.

RCX Sports, the leader in creating accessible, inclusive youth sports experiences, will facilitate all applications for the MLS GO PLAY FUND via its philanthropic arm, the RCX Sports Foundation . MLS GO league operators can apply for support annually while individual MLS GO athletes will be able to apply prior to the start of each season. RCX also facilitates similar financial support programs for other professional sports leagues’ recreational programs.

“The MLS GO PLAY FUND is a continued commitment by Major League Soccer to do our part to ensure that any child that wants to play soccer can,” said Sola Winley, MLS Executive Vice President, Chief Engagement and Inclusion Officer. “Through…