KANSAS CITY — At the 2025 US Youth Soccer Grassroots Symposium & Leadership Weekend, held this month in Kansas City in partnership with Common Goal USA, leaders emphasized a shared commitment to making the game more accessible, inclusive, and locally driven.
Rather than focusing solely on developing elite players, the event spotlighted “community‑rooted program design” and real‑world problem‑solving for grassroots organizers and parent‑coaches. Workshops covered everything from inclusive training environments to creative funding models for underserved neighborhoods. The goal: a youth system where opportunity and quality coaching are available to every player, not just those in performance‑oriented pathways.
“Grassroots innovation starts with listening to what local families and coaches need,” said one regional director at the event. “The next generation of U.S. soccer leadership understands that development begins in the community park before it reaches the academy.”
Expanding Coaching Education to Raise the Standard
In parallel, US Club Soccer and its partner leagues are expanding U.S. Soccer coaching education pathways, including broader access to “B” license courses and regional learning opportunities. This push helps lift the quality of instruction across travel and community clubs—especially where volunteer and parent‑coaches often juggle multiple age groups.
By investing in continuous learning and a shared coaching language, the organizations aim to create more consistent player experiences nationwide. “When a dad or mom coaching two teams has access to practical training and mentorship, it changes the environment for hundreds of kids,” one club technical director explained. “That’s how you elevate the grassroots, one informed coach at a time.”
A Broader Vision: Connecting Grassroots and the Professional Game
These local changes tie into U.S. Soccer’s 2030 strategy and its “Behind the Dream” fundraising initiative, which seeks to simplify pathways, reduce costs, and better connect community participation with elite opportunities. Early collaboration among the MLS, NWSL, USL and major youth organizations signals a unified approach to aligning player development across all levels.
The strategic thread running through these efforts is clear: empower communities first, and the national game will be stronger for it.
What Families Will Notice in 2025–26
For families, the impact will be tangible in the coming seasons. Expect to see:
- Greater emphasis on local and school‑aligned leagues that reduce travel and costs.
- Expanded small‑sided play formats for young recreational players, focusing on skill development and enjoyment.
- Increased support for community‑based programs such as AYSO and small neighborhood clubs receiving attention and funding once reserved for higher tiers.
Ron Stitt
Co-Founder, U.S. Soccer Parent