Youth soccer programs offer children a chance to have fun and learn the game in a safe and educational environment. Unfortunately, there's more to youth soccer than just rounding up a group of willing kids: you also need money and equipment to keep things going. While many individual states offer grants for local youth soccer programs, the largest grant givers in the nation support programs all across the country, so kids can keep playing even when funds get tight.
U.S. Soccer Foundation Grants
Since establishing its grant program in 1995, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded more than $51 million dollars to help fund soccer programs in all 50 states. Foundation grants support projects aimed at helping children in disadvantaged communities by "using soccer as a vehicle for social change," with an emphasis on groups that include a youth development focus in soccer programs, such as antidrug and healthy lifestyle education. The Foundation offers grants for program expenses, field expenses and synthetic field surface installation to not-for-profit organizations. These grant funds help pay for training, uniforms, equipment, travel costs, field development and other needs.
Soccer Association for Youth, USA Grants
The nonprofit organization Soccer Association for Youth, USA, also known as SAY, helps provide recreational soccer support to children ages 4 to 18 years old. SAY's grant program only funds youth soccer programs that are registered with SAY National, as the focus of the grant program is to support SAY programs. With support from national sponsors, SAY grants offer funds and supplies to help offset the cost of uniforms, equipment, training and other approved needs.
U.S. Youth Soccer Grants
The U.S. Youth Soccer grant program, started in 1998, awards yearly financial and equipment grants to youth soccer programs. As of January 2011 the yearly grant program is on hold, though interested parties may sign up for the organization's e-newsletter to stay updated on when funds become available again. U.S. Youth Soccer offers three different grants. Recreation grants help maintain and grow existing US Youth Soccer programs. Soccer Across America Grants support the development of new programs in lower-income and under-served communities. Finally, TOPSoccer Grants support programs that bring soccer opportunities to children with mental or physical disabilities.
Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports Community Grants
The Liberty Mutual insurance company awards annual financial grants to youth teams, leagues and clubs that demonstrate their "commitment to Responsible Coaching and Responsible Sport Parenting." To qualify and win grant money, organizations must register with Responsible Sports, then get both team members and supporters to complete Liberty Mutual's Responsible Sports Parenting and Responsible Coaching coursework and pass a 10-question Responsible Sport Parenting quiz and Responsible Coaching quiz to achieve certification. The more certifications a group gets, the greater the chance that team has at winning a cash grant.
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