There are many exciting ways to get involved with MSYSA! Whether you’re passionate about the game or looking to give back, you can make a difference by becoming a referee, serving as a Let’s Play! coach mentor, or joining our growing team. Support youth soccer by becoming an Events Support Staff Specialist, starting a TOPSoccer program at your club to serve athletes with disabilities, or hosting a coaching course in your community.
You can also help empower the next generation of players by donating today!
Join Let’s Play!
MSYSA’s Let’s Play! program is a free, community-based initiative designed to introduce children ages 4-9 to the game of soccer in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Focused on inclusion and development, the program offers accessible opportunities for kids to learn basic soccer skills, stay active, and build confidence regardless of prior experience.
There are numerous ways individuals, organizations, and communities can support the Let’s Play! program to ensure its success and sustainability. Here are some key ways to get involved and make a meaningful impact: Become a Sponsor, Become a Coach Mentor, Become an Ambassador, Donate gently used equipment and so much more! click the button to learn all the way you can get involved with Let’s Play!
Become a MSYSA Referee
Becoming a soccer referee in Maryland is a great way to stay active, earn money, and stay connected to the game you love! Open to anyone 13 and older, you’ll learn the rules, get hands-on experience, and be ready to take charge on the field. Plus, with flexible scheduling and cool perks like scholarship opportunities, it’s a fun and rewarding way to level up your soccer journey.
Start a TopSoccer Program!
TOPSoccer is a community-based program designed to provide children with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Organized by US Youth Soccer and local volunteers, it emphasizes player development, social interaction, and building confidence over competition .
Starting a TOPSoccer program in your community can be a transformative experience, offering athletes a sense of belonging and achievement while fostering empathy and community spirit among volunteers and families . It’s a rewarding way to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to enjoy the beautiful game.
Host Coach for Community (C4C)
U.S. Soccer’s Coach for Community is a special program providing FREE education and resources to coaches, with an emphasis on reaching new coaches in underserved communities across America. In partnership with MSYSA, Coach for Community delivers in-person learning sessions and access to online grassroots licenses – at no cost to participating coaches!
Growing
Growing brings the fun of soccer camp straight to your child’s school on days off like teacher workdays with no extra driving needed! It’s a great way to keep kids active, engaged, and social while building confidence and teamwork through play. Bringing Growing to your local school strengthens community ties and gives families a fun, reliable option for out-of-school time.
Host Coaching Courses
Hosting a coaching course in Maryland is a game-changer for your local soccer community! It’s a fun, hands-on way to empower coaches with the skills they need to create positive, player-first environments that keep kids loving the game. Plus, with support from MSYSA, it’s easy to bring top-tier soccer education right to your own field, because better coaches mean better soccer for everyone!
Community Pick-Up Soccer
MSYSA’s Community Pick-Up Soccer program offers free, casual soccer games for players of all ages and skill levels. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to stay active, meet neighbors, and enjoy the game without the need for teams, uniforms, or referees. By hosting a session in your community, you help foster inclusion, promote health, and strengthen local connections through the joy of soccer.
Become an Events Support Staff Specialist
Becoming an MSYSA Event Support Specialist means stepping into the heart of Maryland’s youth soccer scene. You’ll assist in organizing and executing events like State Cup, ODP, and Let’s Play!, handling tasks from setting up branded materials to engaging with attendees. It’s a dynamic role perfect for soccer enthusiasts eager to contribute to the sport’s growth and create memorable experiences for players and families alike.
Email a copy of your resume to the MSYSA Events & Operational Support Coordinator, Jimmy Shiflett at Jimmy@msysa.org to apply!
Summer Soccer Academy Camp Counselor
Being a Summer Soccer Academy Camp Counselor for MSYSA is a great opportunity to inspire young athletes, build leadership skills, and be part of a fun, energetic soccer environment. Counselors gain valuable hands-on experience while helping campers grow both on and off the field.
Email 2 non parental references to the SSA Camp Director, Jimmy Shiflett at Jimmy@msysa.org to apply!
ODP Coach
Being a Maryland ODP (Olympic Development Program) coach offers a rewarding opportunity to work with some of the state’s most talented youth soccer players, guiding them in a competitive and development focused environment.
To qualify, coaches must hold at least a USSF National “D” License (or equivalent) or be actively pursuing it. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to teach the sport and serve as ambassadors for the association. This role not only enhances your coaching credentials but also allows you to make a meaningful impact on the future of Maryland soccer.
