Celebrate Youth Soccer Month this September

US Youth Soccer, the nation's largest youth sports association, is excited to kick off the 14th annual Youth Soccer Month – Celebrating Soccer in America this September, and the celebration continues throughout the month promoting the benefits of soccer.

Enter Youth Soccer Month Contests beginning Sept. 1
National Street Soccer Day Sept. 7
National Make Your Own Ball Day Sept. 15

Follow Youth Soccer Month:  Facebook| Instagram| Twitter #YSM2016

"Each year US Youth Soccer looks forward to spearheading the Youth Soccer Month initiative to further promote the benefits of playing this wonderful sport," said Chris Moore, CEO of US Youth Soccer. "The celebration furthers US Youth Soccer's mission to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition." 

Youth Soccer Month 2016 includes working with local leadership to organize grassroots public affairs campaigns, numerous local events and media relations initiatives. To kick off the fun, US Youth Soccer has set apart the first Wednesday, Sept. 7, to hold the fifth annual Street Soccer Day. To participate, organize a time and place for players to come together and play pick-up games.

“Soccer brings families together in a fun environment and this year, Youth Soccer Month hopes to encourage groups to enjoy the sport in a fun way with Street Soccer Day,” said Sam Snow, Director of Coaching for US Youth Soccer. “All are encouraged to join the celebration of Youth Soccer Month and see what we can do together to increase the number of people enjoying our game and furthering their own health and enjoyment.”

After a successful first year in 2015, US Youth Soccer is collaborating once again with the Make Your Own Ball Day initiative this September and encourages colleges, leagues, clubs, teams and families to set time aside on Thursday, Sept. 15 to join National Make Your Own Ball Day. 

The mission of Make Your Own Ball Day is to use a ball to help kids create, connect, give, appreciate and play. MYOBD promotes and supports the passions of kids for sport and uses soccer as a platform for change.

Throughout the month, in addition to promoting the benefits of being active through youth soccer, several chances to win soccer-related prizes will be available online. From ways to help grow the game to the annual Ball-A-Day Giveaway; follow the celebration online using #YSM2016. You’ll have a chance to win the Back-to-School, Back-to-Soccer backpack kit, which includes several US Youth Soccer items.

Each week during Youth Soccer Month will focus on a different message celebrating soccer. The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

• Fun: (Week of Sept. 4)

  • Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.

• Family: (Week of Sept. 11)

• Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.

• The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

• The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.

• Friendship: (Week of Sept. 18)

• Fitness: (Week of Sept. 25)

Make sure you check out the Youth Soccer Month Calendar as several college events are scheduled across the country, where spectators will receive Youth Soccer Month freebies as they cheer on their team.

Check YouthSoccerMonth.org daily in September for a chance to win the Ball-A-Day Giveaway and make sure to check Facebook.com/USYouthSoccer for other daily giveaways!

How can you celebrate?

Youth Soccer Month Contests
Street Soccer Day
Make Your Own Ball Day
Check out all the Youth Soccer Month Events

Join the national celebration of Youth Soccer Month today. Learn more at www.YouthSoccerMonth.org on how to get involved and share your ideas. Please contact JoEllen DeLeon at jdeleon@usyouthsoccer.org with questions or to get your event added to our calendar.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.