As San Diego Wave FC enters its third season in the NWSL, the club is increasing its commitment to the community with the recent launch of a partnership with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)'s new community initiative, AYSO PLAY!
Through a new partnership initiative, the organizations are partnering with local schools, community programs, youth services and clubs in the San Diego community to bring soccer directly to youth while providing safe, high-quality grassroots soccer programs.
growth of the game
The first collaborative event included a special guest appearance by Wave midfielder Sierra Enge, who also played in AYSO, and the combination of collaborating on three different soccer clinics.
“It's really special to be a part of these kids' practices. One of the players said it's his dream to play for the San Diego Wave, so that makes me very happy,” Enge told Forbes. . “It’s great that someone can see what you can do in this town, and I loved every aspect of it growing up here, but I didn’t have anyone to look up to directly and they It's amazing to be able to take that and be on top of the world.''Some of that is really special. ”
Isoplay! Programs to bring the fun of soccer to kids from a variety of backgrounds are being held across the country through after-school programs and local parks.
AYSO has been an innovator in youth soccer in women's participation, dating back to 1971, when the first AYSO women's team first took the field, one year before winning the title, and this partnership marks the start of this partnership for women and women's sports nationally. It was scheduled to kick off on Sunday. Ⅸ was approved.
“It's very exciting for the players to see someone who started in the same place as the AYSO region reach the stage that they did.” [Sierra] Andy Price, AYSO Program Development Director, said: “I think having San Diego host such a successful NWSL team will give our girls the opportunity to go to games and give our players access to more games.”
A city built for soccer
San Diego Wave FC began its first NWSL season in 2022, becoming the first expansion club to reach the semifinals. In their second year, they were the winners of the 2023 NWSL Shield, which is awarded to the team with the most regular season wins in the league.
As successful as the Wave has been on the field, so is their commitment to the community.Shannon Mac Millan, two-time Olympic medalist and current 1999 FIFA World Cup winner with the U.S. Women's National Team , stemming from soccer's success in growing soccer in local communities. Wave's Community He is Vice President of Engagement.
“We are proud to work with AYSO, recognizing the important role sport can play in shaping a child's development,” said Mac Millan. “We are dedicated to incorporating important life skills into our soccer programs, and this partnership strengthens our commitment to this objective by providing access to the game. With AYSO By working together, we look forward to expanding our positive impact on the growth of gaming in San Diego.”
Isoplay! Program participants will also have the opportunity to meet other Wave players at clinics and matches throughout the 2024 NWSL season.
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