DYSA formed the Delaware Girl’s Soccer Initiative from the ITG (Innovate to Grow) grant award in 2023. The mission of this program is in direct alignment with the US Soccer Foundation mission which is to provide girls of color from low-income households who are considered at risk to experience the game of soccer at the grassroots level.
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development. They are committed to helping young people in underserved communities nationwide. These programs help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth through trained coach-mentors. DYSA’s partnership with local communities to create cost-effective long-term initiatives that meet each community’s youth development needs and provide safe environments where kids thrive.
The focus of the Delaware Girl’s Soccer Initiative is as follows:
· Provide girls of color from low-income households, who are considered at risk the experience the game of soccer at the grassroots level.
· Provide basic skill training of the fundaments of soccer to increase their skill level, build self-esteem and become part of a team.
· Provide the training at a safe location (normally an after-school program)
· Provide the training at a low-cost fee. No child will be turned away if they are unable to pay the entrance fee.
· Through partnerships with our public school system DYSA believes this will enable more girls to engage in the game over time. For more information on this exciting program visit our website at www.dysa.org or contact: Coach Imran Khan at dushi_33@hotmail.com or our Executive Director, Sebastian Acosta at sacosta@dysa.org
