New Jersey Youth Soccer ran its Let’s Play! Program in two locations this fall, hosting sessions at Freehold Intermediate School and Roseville Community Charter School. Both programs included six weeks of soccer sessions that not only focused on the fundamentals of soccer, but also included SEL skills along with health and wellness.
“The Let’s Play! Programs that were hosted this fall held tremendous value to the kids participating in both locations,” said Breeana Cassidy, NJYS Grant Program Manager. “Soccer is the vehicle leading these sessions, but these kids were able to learn topics to help with their emotional and physical well-being.”
The Let’s Play! Program in Newark started this fall at Roseville Community Charter School. The program ran after school for six weeks with up to 30 student participants. Students in the program were led by Coach Alex Lalaoui, where they enjoyed learning the game of soccer but also focused on educational and academic achievement. Additionally, the players had an opportunity to learn about Gotham FC and the New York Red Bulls, both of which are NJYS partners.
“The partnership between the NJYS Let’s Play! Program and Roseville Community Charter School has been amazing and a great benefit to our scholars,” said Dr. Dionne Ledford, RCCS Executive Director & Superintendent. “Scholars who might not have had the chance to play a team sport like soccer had the chance to do so through this pilot program, and we are so grateful to NJ Youth Soccer for this opportunity for our students to learn the game and learn about health and wellness. We look forward to our continued partnership on behalf of our scholars!”
The Newark Let’s Play! sessions featured Gotham FC players Maitane Lopez and Kristen Edmonds. Maitane and Kristen helped students learn more about the professional game of soccer while also covering topics that featured the health and well-being of a young student athlete.
“The Let’s Play! Program offers players a unique opportunity to play and learn at their own pace, in an exciting and enjoyable environment allowing them to connect comfortably with the ball and feel the true ownership of the beautiful game,” said Coach Alex Lalaoui, US Soccer Federation & NJYS Educator. “We coaches are there simply to guide, facilitate and serve them.”
NJ Youth Soccer also re-collaborated this fall with the Freehold Intermediate School and the 21st Century Program to continue the Let’s Play! Program. The Let’s Play! Program in Freehold ran after school for six weeks while having a participation of up to 30 students. The program was led to teach the basics of soccer and incorporated social and emotional learning topics to its student participants.
“The 21st Century Program gives students opportunities to grow, learn and gain skills for the future,” said Brooke Shaw, Project Director of 21st Century. “The Let’s Play! Program will be beneficial to the Freehold Borough Middle School and soccer programs long-term. We are very excited to continue this program.”
The Let’s Play! Program will continue to take place in both Freehold and Newark locations during the spring over the course of six weeks in April and May. The Let’s Play! Program is focused on reducing negative behavior, improving mental health and well-being, and improving educational and academic achievement, all while growing excitement around the beautiful game of soccer.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
NJYS Let’s Play! Program Successfully Piloted in Freehold and Newark Over The Fall
