District 4 - CYSA-North is proud to announce that two of our district leagues are recipients of the US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer and Soccer Start program grants.

This year these grants were awarded to 28 beneficiaries.

FRISCO, Texas (May 7, 2008) – US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, today announced that it has made funds available to 28 different groups nationwide as part of its 11th annual grants program cycle. Amongst the 28 programs, through its partnership with adidas, US Youth Soccer awarded $85,000 of grants for 2008.

In all, US Youth Soccer awarded $85,000 to 14 TOPSoccer and 14 Soccer Start soccer groups through its annual grants program for soccer development. Since 1998, the organization has made over $2 million available for the growth of the game of soccer through grants and other financial support.

Soccer Start is designed to introduce the sport of soccer to youngsters living in communities not yet served by existing clubs and leagues. Focused on making soccer available to lower-income children in underserved communities, Soccer Start provides soccer training and administrative guidance to players and organizations that might otherwise not be exposed to the sport.

US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, who has a mental or physical disability.

“We believe US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer and Soccer Start programs further our mission of fostering the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition,” said Larry Monaco, president of US Youth Soccer. “We are delighted with the overall quality of the applications received from around the country this year, and look forward to the many positives that are sure to follow.”

Since the first grants were made in 1998, US Youth Soccer has issued 408 awards to groups large and small across the United States. Specifically for TOPSoccer and Soccer Start programs, these grants continue to assist in soccer development programs and furthering the game for all kids.

The 2008 grants represent a wide array of community-based initiatives from across the country.

TOPSoccer grant recipients for 2008:

Alameda Contra Costa Youth Soccer TOPSoccer, El Cerrito, CA

Blackstone Millville TOPSoccer Program, Blackstone, MA
Cincinnati TOPSoccer, Cincinnati, OH

East Diablo Youth Soccer League TOPSoccer, Brentwood, CA

Elk Grove TOPSoccer Club, Elk Grove, CA
Gainesville Soccer Alliance TOPSoccer, Gainesville, FL
Hockessin Soccer Club TOPSoccer, Hockessin, DE
Lakes Area Youth Soccer TOPSoccer, West Bloomfield, MI
Northport Youth Soccer League TOPSoccer, Northport, NY
Ohio North TOPSoccer, Richfield, OH
Oldsmar TOPSoccer, Clearwater, Fl
South Lakes Soccer Club TOPSoccer, Oklahoma City, OK
St. Elizabeth CYO South Huntington TOPSoccer, Huntington Station, NY
TOPSPUR TOPSoccer, Scarborough, ME

Soccer Start grant recipients for 2008:

Soccer Haven, New Haven Youth Soccer, New Haven, CT
Soccer Start at Flushing Meadows Park, Astoria, NY
Buffalo Soccer Club, Buffalo, NY
Allentown Youth Soccer Club’s Soccer Start Program, Coopersburg, PA
Moshannon Valley Soccer Association, Houtzdale, PA
Camps and After School Enrichment, Inner City Soccer, Fort Wayne, IN
Dynamo in Schools, Indianapolis, IN
Illinois Youth Soccer’s Inner City Program, Arlington Heights, IL
Rineyville Community Youth Soccer Association, Rineyville, KY
Harrison Youth Soccer League, Cadiz, OH
Eastern Lawrence Youth Soccer Association, Kitts Hill, OH
Boys and Girls Cup of Maury County, Columbia, TN
Compton United Soccer Club, Compton, CA
Jaboneria Road to Success, Bell Gardens Imperio Soccer Club, Bell Gardens, CA

The 2009 US Youth Soccer grant applications are currently being updated and more information will be communicated at a later date. Contact Matt Moran, US Youth Soccer, to receive the most current information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

US Youth Soccer has grown into the largest youth sports organization in the United States. Starting with 100,000 registered players in 1974, today the organization has grown to more than 3 million registered players and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers. US Youth Soccer looks to build all ages and levels of the Game for All Kids! Learn more at www.USYouthSoccer.org.

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About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) – US Youth Soccer - The Game for ALL Kids!® is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3.2 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member state associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.