MLS NEXT Delivering Access presented by DoorDash and MLS NEXT activates a shared commitment to the advancement of the sport for all by creating equal opportunities associated with playing at an elite level.
By uncovering stories of exceptional self-sacrifice by members of the soccer community, MLS NEXT Delivering Access presented by DoorDash will provide $150,000 of annual relief to soccer communities across the MLS NEXT ecosystem.
2023 MLS NEXT Delivering Access presented by DoorDash Recipients:
Alexandria Soccer Association (Alexandria, Va.)
An internationally recognized community-based club, Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) offers year-round soccer and futsal programming for over 7,500 participants annually with all experience levels. With the Delivering Access funds, ASA will be able to build on its Access4All Project by reducing the annual cost to travel to national events. By doing so, this will give players more ways to be recruited and potentially receive life-changing opportunities professionally or via the collegiate pathway.
Hoover-Vestavia Soccer (Birmingham, Ala.)
The only MLS NEXT club based in Alabama, Hoover-Vestavia Soccer services families across the state and supplies top-class coaching, ACT prep classes, and free treatment/rehab from UAB Sports Medicine. Delivering Access funds will help the club offer scholarships via their ‘Pass It Forward’ initiative to players from several of the low-income areas within Birmingham. The initiative provides additional benefits to families that may not fit the traditional financial aid packages.
Los Angeles Bulls Soccer Club (San Fernando Valley, Calif.)
After launching in 2018, the LA Bulls strive to teach essential life skills while developing intelligent, technical, and confident players to reach their highest potential. The club has a strong connection to the Los Angeles community and will use the resources to elevate their scholarship program in underserved communities. Additional ways MLS NEXT Delivering Access will assist includes supporting the player leadership program, mental performance program, and other community outreach initiatives.
Modesto Ajax United (Modesto, Calif.)
Modesto Ajax United strives to meet the needs in their community by providing access to athletes who may not be able to afford playing elite soccer by supplying scholarships and transportation and removing barriers to access in the area. The goal is to bridge the gap and provide financial support to deserving families to ensure they have access to the highest level of soccer. One area Ajax will aim to utilize the funds is for the community of Los Banos – a city approximately one hour south of Modesto. Ajax recently provided three players from Los Banos with full scholarships and Delivering Access will assist in expanding that number to more young athletes in the region.
Vardar Soccer Club (Rochester, Mich.)
One of the premier clubs in Michigan, Vardar Soccer Club aims to provide a highly competitive opportunity for young athletes, while giving each player the immediate and direct guidance that is carefully tailored to their individual needs. Through Delivering Access, Vardar will provide further training opportunities, fitness experts, and video analysis to their MLS NEXT players. Additionally, the club will continue to strengthen its partnership with Hoverla F.C., a nearby club that has been influential in supporting Ukrainian families seeking refugee from the turmoil in their country. With their support, Vardar and Hoverla have become more than just soccer clubs to these families, but rather a second home for the newcomers.
Ventura County Fusion (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Seventy-four percent of families in the Ventura County Fusion program are low-income, including many who are migrant families without college degrees. The $25,000 will be used to combat travel needs, support field upkeep costs, provide access to high-level college guidance, and aid in the development of a nutrition and mental health program. These funds will assist youth players’ physical and personal development at Ventura County Fusion.
Clubs will have the opportunity to submit stories to a select review board reflecting the grassroots efforts made by players, staff, families, and local businesses.
Up to six MLS NEXT clubs will be selected to receive a maximum of $25,000, which will help provide training, equipment, and more.