Diversifying the Landscape of Youth Female Soccer

The Problem:

Youth Soccer leagues have become increasingly popular in American culture today. This increase of popularity has driven the cost of participation to an all-time high. Unfortunately, for some players, many which are minorities and females, this has resulted in them having to hang up their cleats involuntarily. The current landscape of high competition league play lacks inclusion and diversity.

“Females, minorities, and youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds historically have been shortchanged when it comes to the provision of opportunities to explore and participate in sports.”

The greatest opportunity for exposure and development is afforded to those who have the financial resources to participate. There is a need to bridge the gap between female minority soccer athletes and high competition league soccer; in order to afford those left behind the opportunity earn a position on the team.

“Research has shown that sports participation and physical activity support long-term health, achievement, and well-being. Specifically, sports participation is linked to the increased likelihood of having a healthy diet, ample daily physical activity, and sufficient sleep more positive academic self-concepts, higher academic performance, and higher aspirations of acquiring a college degree having more positive views of self and stronger social connections.”

~ Women’s Sports Foundation, “Teen Sport in America, Why Participation Matter

Youth female soccer needs strong female coaches and trainers to lead, inspire, and empower young female soccer athletes to break barriers and achieve their soccer goals.

"Representation is often valued for its inspirational faculties, and with good reason. Humans gravitate toward role models who look like themselves. "

Henry Bushnell, Yahoo Sports

 www.aspenprojectplay.com

How to be part of solution: 

		PHYSICAL TRAINING: Fitness Regime, Speed and Agility Training,Technical Footwork Training, Endurance Training, Strength and Conditioning, Recovery. MENTAL TRAINING: Confidence Building, Sports Motivation, Game Studying, Tactical Training, Nutrition. LIFE-SKILLS EMBODIED THROUGHOUT PROGRAMMING: Goal Setting, Perseverance Development, Emotional Intelligence, Mentorship.