Playing youth sports today looks different than it did just a few years ago.
There are more opportunities, more training options, and more ways for kids to get involved. But there’s also a higher cost.
In fact, in 2024, the average U.S. sports family spent $1,016 on their child’s primary sport — a 46 percent increase since 2019, according to the Aspen Institute’s Project Play survey. And with the World Cup headed to the United States, youth soccer is expected to see one of its largest participation surges in decades. But for many families, real barriers still exist.
Expanding Access to Youth Soccer
In many communities, park and recreation programs remain the most consistent and accessible entry point into soccer. And that’s where the partnership between MLS GO, RCX Sports, and the comes in.
“Recreational soccer is where so many players first fall in love with the game,” said Gloria Castaneda, Senior Manager of Youth & Grassroots Programs for MLS GO. “Through partnerships like this with NRPA and RCX Sports, we’re able to support the park and recreation departments already doing incredible work in their communities and help make sure more kids have the opportunity to step onto the field.”
Powered by Major League Soccer, MLS GO provides high-quality programming, including official MLS GO-branded uniforms, coaching resources, marketing support, and consistent league standards across communities.
Together, the organizations launched a national effort to strengthen community-based recreational soccer through the MLS GO PLAY FUND NRPA Grant. The grant provides direct funding to park and recreation agencies to reduce financial barriers and expand access to local MLS GO leagues.
Now entering its second year, the impact is already visible. In 2025 alone, MLS GO PLAY FUND NRPA Grant funding was awarded across 17 agencies, supporting more than 6,000 youth athletes. Those dollars went directly toward reducing registration fees, expanding scholarships, and strengthening local MLS GO leagues without increasing costs for the families those programs serve.
At its core, the partnership reinforces what communities already know: when local recreation is supported, more kids get the chance to play.
Removing Financial Barriers
Through the MLS GO PLAY FUND NRPA Grant, agencies were able to reduce or eliminate registration costs, expand scholarship offerings, and provide full uniform kits and equipment without shifting expenses back to parents.
In Taft, California, the West Side Recreation & Park District used funding to ensure every player stepped onto the field in matching jerseys, shorts and socks.
“Our proudest moment has been seeing every child step onto the field fully outfitted,” said Fabian Gutierrez, Recreation Supervisor for the West Side Recreation & Park District. “Providing complete uniforms removed the stress for families and coaches, and the kids loved looking and feeling like a real team.”
The funding also helped expand participation, bringing 50 additional youth athletes into the program.
Beyond the field, the partnership deepened local collaboration as well. Relationships strengthened between the park and recreation district, local school districts and Taft College. Members of the Taft College women’s soccer team served as referees and mentors, creating pathways from youth participation to higher levels of play.
Elevating the Program Experience
For local park and recreation departments, this work brings added credibility and cohesion to programs that already serve their neighborhoods.
In Woodlake, California, a city of just over 7,000 residents, 600 youth participated in MLS GO last year, representing nearly 30 percent of the city’s school-aged population.
“We already had a great foundational program,” said Jennifer Reynolds of Woodlake Parks & Recreation. “But since implementing MLS GO, our registrations continue to increase.”
Reynolds noticed something else, too: pride. On school spirit day, MLS GO jerseys filled the hallways, a visible sign that the program had become part of the community fabric.
What Year One Confirmed
The first year of the MLS GO x NRPA partnership reinforced several clear realities.
- Demand for accessible recreational soccer remains strong.
- When grant funding is introduced, participation grows measurably.
- When leagues operate with consistent branding and structure, retention and pride increase.
- And when national organizations align with local park and rec departments, adoption accelerates.
“This partnership reflects our collective commitment to making sport accessible for all,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “By aligning with NRPA and leveraging the power of local parks and recreation agencies, we can bring the MLS GO experience to even more kids nationwide and support the health and vitality of their communities.”
In other words, agencies aren’t looking for one-time support. They’re looking for sustainable partnerships.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, the partnership will continue investing in NRPA agencies as it enters its second year. Interest continues to build as more communities look for affordable ways to expand access and bring more kids into the game.
To learn more about the MLS GO x NRPA partnership, or to explore how your agency can be part of the next phase of growth, connect directly with:
Jonathan Houghton, RCX Sports
828-750-5224
Calendly - Schedule a demo
Agencies can apply for the MLS GO PLAY FUND NRPA Grant while becoming an MLS GO operator. Funding, if awarded, will be distributed once the agency is established as an operator.
