Youth Soccer International
About us
Soccer has been an integral part of our lives since childhood, shaping us into the individuals we are today. The positive influence of the sport, the camaraderie of teammates, and the guidance of dedicated coaches have instilled in us a deep passion for the beautiful game. It is this passion and the profound impact soccer has had on our lives that we aim to share through the Youth Soccer Initiative.
At YSIFC, we prioritize the long-term development of children, focusing on fun and learning rather than competition. We believe that soccer offers much more than just physical activity; it provides friendships, opportunities for travel, a sense of belonging, and motivation for personal growth. As parents ourselves, we want to pass on this invaluable gift to the next generation.
Our journey began in 2015 with a small group of 14 children. The overwhelming interest from both parents and children led to rapid growth, prompting us to obtain our coaching licenses. As the numbers continued to increase, we expanded our program to Alcott School and later to Hawthorne School, experiencing a significant growth each year. In 2017, we were invited to run the soccer program at Lycee Francais, where demand continues to rise.
At YSIFC, we understand that soccer is more than just a sport. It's an opportunity for children to grow and develop in countless ways. Through the beautiful game and our YSI culture of community, togetherness, and friendship, we've witnessed firsthand how children become happier and more confident both on and off the field.
We're proud to be a part of your child's journey and look forward to continuing to provide a positive and enriching experience for all our YSI families.
KEEPING IT FUN
High-pressure coaching and a focus on winning rather than on the well-being of players have been shown to be ineffective, often leading to children feeling demoralized at an early age and experiencing burnout. In fact, 70 percent of young athletes drop out of team sports by age 13, citing a lack of fun as their primary reason for quitting. For this reason, at Youth Soccer International, we prioritize making our curriculums fun and engaging above all else. There is time for intense competition, but studies indicate that such competition is not developmentally suitable until age 13. By incorporating fun into our teaching for 5- to 12-year-olds, we aim to ignite a lifelong love of sports in our kids so they will continue playing long after they graduate from Youth Soccer International.
THE YSI FAMILY
At Youth Soccer International, we take great pride in fostering a strong sense of community, togetherness, and friendship. It's something that permeates throughout our organization, from the players on the field to the families in the stands.
The YSI community is truly special. It's evident in the way our players support and encourage each other, both on and off the field. The camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by our athletes create an atmosphere of mutual respect and genuine friendship. This sense of belonging extends beyond the players to their families as well, creating a network of support and lasting bonds.
“The point in getting kids involved in sports isn’t to raise the next Serena or Lebron," says sport psychologist and parenting expert, Jim Taylor, PhD. "It’s to give them the mental tools to be healthy, happy and successful for the rest of their lives. The secret," he says, "is creating positive athletic experiences and not buying into the youth sports industrial complex.”
Jim Taylor
FOCUS ON PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
VALUES
