Middle School Alliance Initiative
Organization
South Central Soccer Academy, Indiana
South Central Soccer Academy has earned a best practice endorsement by IYSL for inclusivity and community engagement in youth sports. By providing opportunities for children in underserved communities, establishing school teams, and fostering a seamless transition from school to club soccer, SCSA is making a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes and their communities. This initiative should serve as an inspiration for clubs and organizations looking to embrace an inclusive and community-centered approach to sports.
Best Practice #25 Community Location: The organization operates programs in locations that create a sense of belonging and inclusivity, a place that is convenient and local to where members live and/or work. Some locations act as a ‘community convener’ – a gathering point for families and a great place to interact with other members.
Featured Leader
Matt Wilhoit, Director of Coaching
Background
South Central Soccer Academy (SCSA), located in Bargersville, Indiana, just south of the bustling city of Indianapolis, is an organization dedicated to providing recreational and competitive soccer opportunities for children aged 4 to 18. The organization’s Middle School Alliance Initiative is worthy of special mention as a shining example of community engagement and inclusivity.
A Sense of Belonging and Inclusivity
One of sixty IYSL Best Practices is fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity and ensuring members have access to a convenient and local environment. The Middle School Alliance Initiative aligns perfectly with these ideals. In partnering with public middle schools like Whiteland Middle and Triton Central Middle, SCSA has created an environment where soccer becomes a part of a student’s school experience.
Empowering Middle Schoolers
In the past three years, SCSA has partnered with these middle schools, offering a platform for 7th and 8th-grade players to showcase their skills. School tryouts determine the players who represent their school and SCSA. The Warriors (Whiteland Middle School) play in the Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation Fall league and the same team transforms into an SCSA club team in the spring. This seamless transition from school to club soccer ensures that talented players have a pathway to further develop their skills. A middle school soccer league is not offered in Northwestern Consolidated School District, so Triton Tigers represent SCSA in Fall and Spring.
Benefits for the Community
The impact on the community is profound. By establishing a school team, SCSA not only encourages students to embrace the sport but also provides them with a club-sponsored coach in the spring. This investment in middle school talent benefits the high school teams, as they receive better-prepared players who have honed their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. Additionally, the convenience of training and playing on school fields reduces the cost of participation. Uniforms that reflect the school’s colors and feature co-branded logos foster a sense of pride and identity. Playing alongside friends from school creates lasting memories and strengthens bonds within the community.
Benefits to SCSA
The benefits aren’t one-sided. SCSA also reaps the rewards of this initiative. By establishing recreational programming in the community, they expand their footprint and gain invaluable brand recognition. The goodwill generated from the community strengthens the club’s ties and furthers their community-focused goals. Access to school fields at no additional cost is a practical advantage that aids in reducing overhead.
Empowering Underserved Communities
One of the most commendable aspects of this initiative is its focus on providing opportunities for children in underserved communities. By establishing middle school soccer programs, SCSA has not only expanded its reach but has also sowed the seeds of goodwill within these communities. The benefits are manifold, extending far beyond the soccer field.
A Model of Inclusivity
In a world where youth sports can sometimes lean towards an elite approach, SCSA’s Middle School Alliance Initiative is a refreshing alternative. It embodies a low-cost, inclusive model that encourages participation and nurtures talent. This unique approach sets them apart, demonstrating that soccer can be a vehicle for community engagement and positive change.
Get Involved! It’s free and Open Source
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Get recognized contact David Newbery if you have an example of best practice and are willing to share your story of success with the youth sports community. [email protected]
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