Expanding Youth Soccer in Boston
A Vision for 2026 and Beyond!
In the 2022/2023 soccer season, 3,751 youth players from Boston registered with Mass Youth Soccer—only about 5% of the city’s eligible youth (estimated at 71,500 per 2022 Census data), compared to the statewide average of ~12% and the national average of ~4%. The City of Boston and its dedicated partners are committed to changing this by significantly expanding youth soccer access across the city.
With the thrill of the 2026 World Cup and Boston’s new NWSL team on the horizon, our city is seizing this global soccer moment to inspire and engage young players like never before. By doubling youth participation and building a vibrant, inclusive soccer community, we’re determined to bring the world’s game to every Boston neighborhood.
2026 Objectives
How the Mayor’s Office and Soccer Organizations are Transforming Youth Soccer Across the City.
The following objectives, crafted in partnership with citywide soccer organizations, will be revisited and refined as we approach and move beyond the 2026 World Cup.
- Increase awareness and enthusiasm for youth soccer in Boston.
- Double the number of MYSA-affiliated players to ~8,000 and achieve a 50% overall increase in participation, focusing on:
- Expanding opportunities for girls and underserved communities.
- Make recreational soccer the most accessible, inclusive, and welcoming sport in every neighborhood, year-round.
- Enhance the quality of soccer programs, including:
- Trauma-informed, mentor-oriented coaching.
- Skills development and organized team formation.
- Affordable pathways to elite-level soccer.
- Inclusive, adaptive programming for all players.
- Strengthen community connections across Boston by:
- Fostering a sense of belonging within Boston’s soccer community.
- Encouraging collaboration and community-building among neighborhoods, classes, and races.
How We're Making it Happen
Expand access to travel soccer within the City of Boston, fostering skill development across Boston's neighborhoods.
Establish the Mayor’s Soccer Cup as Boston’s premier youth soccer event, celebrating local talent and building community...
To introduce soccer to the youngest players in an accessible, fun, and inclusive way.
Offer winter sports options for youth through futsal, fostering skill-building and year-round activity.
Soccer Opportunities
Join Us in Growing Boston’s Soccer Community!
Click the button below to browse the soccer opportunities available in your neighborhood.
Our Core Group
|
Team |
People |
|
Mayor’s Office |
Gideon Emmanuel Anshi Moreno Jimenez José Massó |
|
Boston Parks & Recreation |
Woodley Auguste |
|
Boston Public Schools |
Avery Esdaile |
|
BCYF |
William Ryan Joan Lanigan |
|
MYSA |
Tammie Endow Rob Holliday |
|
Soccer Without Borders |
Bruno Contreras Nora Dooley |
|
Soccer Unity Project |
Caroline Foscato |
|
Boston Scores |
John Maconga |
