Illinois Youth Soccer is partnering with school districts across Illinois to make soccer more accessible while creating meaningful opportunities for students both on and off the field.
The Educational & Workforce Pathway Through Soccer is a no-cost K–12 initiative that provides schools with quality soccer curriculum and equipment while creating opportunities for high school students to become certified coaches and referees.
Supporting Soccer in K–8 Schools
Participating schools receive age-appropriate soccer curriculum resources aligned with Illinois Learning Standards and U.S. Soccer developmental principles.
Designed with educators in mind, the curriculum can be used as a complete soccer unit, as individual lessons and activities, or to enhance existing physical education programming — regardless of a teacher’s previous soccer experience.
Resources include:
- Age-appropriate lesson plans and activities
- Social-emotional learning concepts, including communication, cooperation, teamwork and problem-solving
- Modifications and progressions to support different abilities and learning needs
- Student assessments and opportunities for reflection
- Developmentally appropriate technical and tactical soccer concepts
Illinois Youth Soccer can also provide equipment support, including soccer balls, cones, pinnies and small-sided goals, helping schools put the resources into action.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
At the high school level, the initiative takes the next step.
Students can access U.S. Soccer coaching education and referee certification at no cost, earning recognized credentials while developing leadership skills and gaining valuable experience.
Through connections between schools, Illinois Youth Soccer and local soccer organizations, students can then explore opportunities to put those credentials to use as coaches, referees and young leaders in their communities.
The result is more than simply introducing soccer in school. It creates opportunities for students to experience the game, stay connected to it and discover new ways to be involved.
Built to Fit Your School
Every school and district is different. The initiative is designed to be flexible, allowing schools to participate in the areas that best meet their needs — from curriculum and equipment support to professional development, coaching education, referee certification and community connections.
All resources and opportunities are provided at no cost to participating schools and students.
Bring the Initiative to Your School
Illinois Youth Soccer is working with school districts across the state to expand access to soccer and create new opportunities for students.
School administrators, physical education teachers, athletic directors and other educators interested in bringing the initiative to their schools are encouraged to contact Mick Galeski at mick@illinoisyouthsoccer.org to learn more.