Massachusetts-Youth-Soccer-Association-Marks-a-Half-Century-of-Service-and-Growth

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association Marks a Half Century of Service and Growth

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Founded in 1974, the Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (commonly known as Mass Youth Soccer or MYS) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024—a milestone commemorating five decades of development, inclusion, and community soccer across the Commonwealth. Spokesperson Jaime Balboni reflects: “This anniversary wasn’t just about looking back—it’s an occasion to reaffirm our mission: to serve, educate, and provide safe soccer play for all.”

Uniting Youth Through Soccer

One of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber’s newest members, Mass Youth Soccer functions as the governing body for soccer in Massachusetts., overseeing programming, policies, and support for more than 100,000 young players and over 20,000 adult volunteers. The organization delivers a wide array of player development programs, coach and referee education, risk management initiatives, and organizational support for affiliated clubs and leagues. Their work structures the backbone of youth soccer throughout the state, ensuring quality and consistency across all levels. Their mission, as stated, is “to serve, educate, and provide safe soccer play for all,” underpinned by a vision to “lead, inspire & unite soccer communities,” and rooted in values like fun, growth, inclusion, integrity, respect, compassion, and belonging—all reaffirmed in a March 2023 update to their mission‑vision‑values platform

Programs That Matter

  • Mass Youth Soccer offers numerous programs that touch every corner of youth soccer:
    • TOPSoccer, created for athletes with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities, ensures that no player is excluded from the joy of sport.
    • The Olympic Development Program (ODP) aims to identify and nurture elite players, focusing on individual growth and holistic development through rigorous tryouts and seasonal camps
    • The Districts (formerly District Select Program), launched each summer, provides pressure‑free competition across seven districts, leading up to a community event at Progin Park. The 2025 season began July 6, with district games followed by a culminating event in early August
    • The Town Select League (TSL) works in partnership with town-based soccer organizations to give players a higher level of development and select-level competition. TSL practices weekly and plays Sunday matches, offering structured development with minimized travel and cost
    • Futsal programming through affiliated leagues such as the Coastal Youth Futsal League provides year-round, small-sided indoor soccer opportunities
    • Resources such as session planning guides for volunteer coaches—covering U6 to U12 levels—and user-friendly educational tools like Play‑Practice‑Play methodology support effective grassroots coaching across the state
    • Empowering Coaches, Referees & Organizations
    •  Mass Youth Soccer emphasizes education and certification:
    • Coach education includes workshops, certification courses, survival guides, and technical resources that equip volunteers to be effective mentors.
    • Referee development and risk management are central, especially with the enforcement of U.S. Soccer’s Policy 531‑9 (misconduct toward officials) beginning March 1, 2025, which governs all Mass Youth Soccer‑sanctioned play . All adult volunteers must complete SafeSport, concussion awareness training, and pass CORI and national background checks
    • They provide a Member Toolkit—a comprehensive administration guide for club officers, helping organizations comply with governance best practices, waivers, financial guidelines, and safe operations
    • Governance is provided by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected at the Annual General Meeting, which helps steer strategy, policy, and organizational direction

Culture & Organizational Values

“Our workplace culture is collaborative, mission‑driven, and grounded in values of fun, growth, inclusion, and integrity,” says Balboni. The team is committed to creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued, respected, and empowered—a reflection of the culture Mass Youth Soccer encourages across its broader community. In hiring, Mass Youth Soccer seeks individuals who are passionate about youth development, collaborative in spirit, committed to diversity, and aligned with their core organizational values.

Community Impact & Influence

Mass Youth Soccer’s impact is felt statewide. Through TOPSoccer, thousands of youth with disabilities gain structured and supportive play opportunities. Their partnerships with local clubs, leagues, and partner organizations help deliver programming in both urban and underserved communities. The organization’s influence is rooted in the hundreds of volunteers, coaches, and referees—the backbone of local soccer—who bring passion and commitment every day. National and international soccer organizations shape the association’s standards in safety, inclusion, and player development. Most importantly, the families and communities who participate continually influence how programs evolve to remain relevant and accessible.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

“Our future is bright,” Balboni affirms. Mass Youth Soccer is focused on:

  • Enhancing player development structuring across programs like Districts, TSL, ODP, and TOPSoccer.
  • Advancing coach and referee education, leveraging technology and streamlined access to certification courses.
  • Expanding access to the game—particularly in underserved and urban areas—via outreach efforts and inclusive programs.
  • Strengthening community partnerships, enhancing collaboration with clubs, leagues, schools, and local organizations that share the mission.
  • Their goal is to grow the game in a manner that stays true to their core values: fun, growth, inclusion, and integrity.

Why It Matters

In an age where youth involvement in sports is often challenged by cost, safety concerns, and access barriers, Mass Youth Soccer stands out as a state-level organization purpose-built to tackle these issues head-on. They provide programming that is affordable, inclusive, and grounded in player-centered development. By supporting coaches and referees, educating volunteers, ensuring compliance and safety, and championing inclusive initiatives like TOPSoccer, Mass Youth Soccer plays a critical leadership role in making soccer a positive, community-building experience across Massachusetts. As Balboni summed it, “Our 50-year milestone is not the end of our journey—it’s a launching pad. We remain committed to shaping soccer environments where every youth can play, grow, and belong.” This forward-looking perspective, rooted in a legacy of service since 1974, positions Mass Youth Soccer to continue strengthening communities, empowering volunteers, and connecting children with the joy and lifelong benefits of the beautiful game.

For more information
Contact: Jaime Balboni, Mass Youth Soccer Association, Lancaster, MA
Website: www.mayouthsoccer.org

Phone: (978) 466‑8812

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