Let’s Talk About It
The recent partnership between New Jersey Youth Soccer and HitCheck marks a critical step forward for youth player safety—a cause close to our hearts as parents whose son suffered a significant concussion while playing soccer.
Why This Partnership Matters
When our son’s concussion happened, we found ourselves navigating a maze of uncertainty. First, he was playing in Spain, where there is unfortunately still less awareness of the importance of diagnosing concussions in youth soccer, so he was not properly diagnosed until he returned to the U.S. on a visit. It turned out to be significant enough that the recovery protocol lasted almost two months.
Like thousands of other families, our main questions were: How do we know if it’s safe for him to keep playing? What subtle warning signs might we be missing? Traditional sideline assessment tools are subjective and inconsistent, leaving parents anxious about making the right decisions. The introduction of HitCheck—a mobile app that delivers quick, science-based cognitive assessments right from the sideline—is a game changer for parents and coaches alike.
The Bigger Picture: Concussions in Youth Soccer
Concussions are a widespread concern in youth sports, and soccer is no exception. Young athletes are particularly vulnerable because their brains are still developing, and the symptoms of a concussion can sometimes be subtle or delayed. According to recent medical reports, undiagnosed or mismanaged concussions can contribute to long-term cognitive and emotional difficulties. The need for clear, real-time assessment tools has never been greater.
What HitCheck Brings
HitCheck transforms comprehensive neurological tests into a simple, engaging seven-minute assessment that can be completed on any smartphone or tablet. Here’s what stands out:
- It measures nine key brain functions affected by concussion, such as memory, reaction time, and executive function.
- Baseline and post-injury scores are compared so changes are clear and actionable.
- The 22-question symptom survey helps track recovery and informs medical follow-up.
- Trainers and healthcare professionals get immediate access to objective data to guide return-to-play protocols.
How This Empowers Families
For parents like us, having an official sideline concussion test can give us a layer of reassurance. Instead of relying solely on instinct or incomplete information, we now have access to technology that supports early detection and helps prevent premature returns to play. This partnership is a reminder that our children’s long-term health always comes first, and that returning to the game is only safe when we have real confidence in their recovery.
Looking Ahead
As New Jersey Youth Soccer and partners like HitCheck refine these tools, parents and coaches across the country should take notice. Concussion awareness has come a long way, but we must keep pushing for evidence-based solutions and transparency at every level.
This partnership is not just about protecting the game—it’s about protecting our kids. For every parent who’s ever sat anxious on the sidelines, this is the type of progress we need to see.
Ron Stitt
Co-Founder, U.S. Soccer Parent
Original Press Release
Pioneering the Future of Brain Health in Sports with AI-Powered Screening Technology
New Jersey Youth Soccer, representing more than 120,000 players ages 5 to 19, today announced a strategic partnership with HitCheck, a leading mobile app that monitors athletes’ cognitive performance and screens for signs of concussion.
HitCheck transforms standardized neurocognitive testing into a fast, engaging seven-minute mobile assessment that can be completed on a smartphone or tablet. The test evaluates nine key brain functions commonly affected by concussions. When a head injury is suspected, athletes complete a post-injury test, which is compared against their personal baseline scores to help inform medical decisions. A 22-question symptom survey is also included to track recovery progress.
“Our vision is to create a sports landscape where brain health screening is a priority across all levels of play,” said Mike Piha, CEO and Co-Founder of HitCheck. “Partnering with New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest youth soccer programs in the country, sends a powerful message about the importance of protecting young athletes from the long-term impacts of sports-related concussions.”
Through this partnership, NJ Youth Soccer and HitCheck reaffirm their shared commitment to athlete safety, equipping trainers and healthcare professionals with real-time data that supports early detection, objective decision-making and effective return-to-play protocols.
“This partnership enhances our ability to promote player safety and long-term brain health by leveraging HitCheck’s quick and easy concussion assessment app,” said Evan Dabby, CEO of NJ Youth Soccer. “We are proud to make HitCheck the Official Sideline Concussion Test of New Jersey Youth Soccer as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping athletes safe.”
To find out more information about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
About HitCheck
HitCheck digitizes neurocognitive testing methods using AI, delivering short mobile assessments that help detect changes in brain performance following potential concussions. Each test measures areas such as memory, reaction time, balance, and executive function. With subscribers in six countries, HitCheck partners with organizations including Stanford University, Iowa State University, Howard University, Baylor Scott & White Health, American Youth Football, and the NFL Alumni Association. Learn more at hitcheck.com/how-it-works or contact info@hitcheck.com.