Somerville Youth Soccer

What Somerville Youth Soccer does

Somerville Youth Soccer (SYS) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) non-profit youth soccer organization founded in Fall 1990 by a small group of parents working with the Somerville Recreation Commission. It serves the city of Somerville, Massachusetts, providing recreational and competitive soccer programming for children from toddler age (2T/3T) through Grade 12. The organization operates a tiered program portfolio: the Tykes introductory program for toddlers, Pre-K/Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 In-Town programs, a Travel program for Grades 3-8 competing in the Middlesex Youth Soccer League (MYSL), specialty clinics such as Goalkeeper Development, and adaptive programming via TOPSoccer for players with disabilities. As of 2026, SYS also runs a High School program for Grades 9-12, the annual Won World Soccer Camp (cultural immersion), and the Kristine Lilly Soccer Clinic hosted by the USWNT legend.

The organization's technology stack is non-proprietary and community-grade: it relies on the SportsEngine platform for website, registration, scheduling, team management, and a mobile app for families, supplemented by an online Dib Sessions system for volunteer task assignment. Field operations are delivered across 15+ municipal and Tufts University fields throughout Somerville, including Capuano Field, Conway Field, and Dilboy Stadium. Strategic partnerships span uniform supplier PUMA, title sponsor DICK'S Sporting Goods, professional soccer organizations (New England Revolution, Boston Legacy FC, Somerville United FC), higher education partners (Tufts, Harvard), and community sponsors (Lowe's, Opella Allegra, Villeside Customs, Bow Market, Joint Ventures Physical Therapy).

SYS generates revenue through a mix of recurring seasonal registration fees ($110-$180 by tier), premium one-time programs (Won World Camp at $175, Kristine Lilly Clinic at $250), uniform pass-through sales, and a diversified fundraising base including donations, Giving Tuesday campaigns, Chobani Feed The Dream grants, and community benefit events. The organization serves the dual mission of providing affordable, accessible youth soccer regardless of financial means (underwritten by a Financial Assistance Program funded in part by the Tufts Community Grant), and a volunteer-driven community experience emphasizing fun, character development, and inclusion over purely competitive outcomes.

Name

Somerville Youth Soccer

Legal name

Somerville Youth Soccer

Website

https://somervillesoccer.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Somerville Youth Soccer is a volunteer-run non-profit providing affordable, tiered youth soccer programs for Somerville, MA children from age 2 through Grade 12, including travel, adaptive, and specialty clinics.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Soccer Programs

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYMPAKACAF

Youth & Scholastic Sports Organizations (K–12, AAU, Club Leagues)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Collegiate & Amateur Sports Organizations (NCAA, Federations, Clubs)

SECONDARYMPAKADAL

Youth & Junior Tournament Organizers

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Event & Tournament Organizers (Tours, Championships, Meets)

SECONDARYMPAKAJAA

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps)

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Sports (Leagues, Teams, Events, Venues)/Sports Camps, Academies & Training Centers

SECONDARYBPAGADAJ

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

Keywords

• Youth soccer leagues
• Youth sports programs
• Soccer camps and clinics
• Adaptive soccer programs
• Volunteer sports coaching

Headquarters

HQ city

Somerville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Player Registration Fees: Primary revenue from seasonal registration fees for Tykes, In-Town, and Travel programs. Fees range from $110-$180 depending on program level. Late fees apply after August 1st.
2. Camps and Clinics: Specialized programs including Won World Soccer Camp ($175) and Kristine Lilly Clinic ($250) generate additional revenue
3. Uniform Sales: PUMA uniforms sold to In-Town and Travel players. In-Town uniform required for Pre-K through Grade 2 ($65). Travel families purchase PUMA kits separately.
4. Donations and Fundraising: Donations through website, Chobani Feed The Dream competition, Giving Tuesday campaigns, and community fundraisers such as Chipotle nights and American Flatbread benefit events

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Somerville Youth Soccer is a volunteer-run non-profit youth soccer league that delivers seasonal soccer programs for children ages 2 through Grade 12 in Somerville, Massachusetts. Core offerings include the Tykes toddler program (ages 2-3), In-Town Pre-K/Kindergarten and Grades 1-2 developmental programs, competitive Travel programs (Grades 3-8) in the Middlesex Youth Soccer League, TOPSoccer for players with disabilities, and a High School program. The league also runs specialty offerings including the annual Won World Soccer Camp, the Kristine Lilly Soccer Clinic, and Goalkeeper Development Clinics, all delivered across 15+ city fields.

Product overview

Somerville Youth Soccer (SYS) is a volunteer-run youth soccer league offering a multi-tiered program portfolio. The organization provides three core seasonal programs: In-Town soccer for Pre-K through Grade 2 (including the Tykes toddler program for ages 2T/3T), and a Travel program for Grades 3-8 competing in the Middlesex Youth Soccer League. Specialized offerings include TOPSoccer for players with disabilities, a High School program for Grades 9-12, and Goalkeeper Development Clinics. Seasonal specialty programs include the Won World Soccer Camp (summer cultural immersion camp for Grades 1-4) and the Kristine Lilly Soccer Clinic (annual clinic with USWNT legend for Grades 1-8). Supporting services include a Cleats Exchange Program, Financial Assistance Program, Coach Education resources, and a Dib Sessions volunteer management system. All programs operate primarily in Somerville, MA across 15+ fields including Capuano Field, Conway Field, Dilboy Stadium, and others.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tykes Program Introductory soccer program for toddlers ages 2T/3T featuring weekly hour-long sessions with parent participation. Focus is on familiarizing young children with soccer while keeping them engaged; no uniform required and participants receive a t-shirt from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Registration fee $110 with $30 late fee after August 1.
• In-Town Pre-K & Kindergarten Program Soccer program for Pre-K and Kindergarten aged children (U5/U6) featuring Saturday games at Triangle Field with no scores kept. Small-sided 4v4 games with smaller goals and no goalkeepers, emphasizing maximum player touches. Includes weekly practice for co-ed teams. Registration fee $135; $65 In-Town PUMA Team Rise uniform required.
• In-Town Grades 1 & 2 Program Soccer program for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students (U7/U8) split into Girls and Co-Ed teams. Each team practices once weekly and plays one unscored game each Saturday; introduces passing and teamwork concepts with slightly larger goals and goalkeeper introduction. Registration fee $135; $65 In-Town PUMA Team Rise uniform required.
• Travel Program Competitive soccer program for Grades 3-8 (U10-U14) with teams playing against other Middlesex Youth Soccer League (MYSL) towns. Players placed by skill level through coach feedback and field evaluations; Grades 5-8 Division 1 and 2 teams are eligible for Massachusetts Tournament of Champions (MTOC) playoffs. Girls and Co-Ed teams offered. Registration fee $180; PUMA travel uniform ordered separately.
• TOPSoccer Program Adaptive soccer program for players with mental and physical disabilities, providing inclusive opportunities for children to participate in organized soccer with appropriate support and modifications. Coordinated by TOPSoccer Coordinator Scott Benjamin.
• High School Soccer Program Soccer program for players in Grades 9-12 providing opportunities for older youth to continue competitive soccer participation. Program begins play in early April for the spring season.
• Goalkeeper Development Clinics Specialized training sessions for goalkeepers in Grades 1-8 held at Capuano Field on Fridays, focusing on goalkeeping techniques, positioning, and game skills.
• Won World Soccer Camp Annual four-day summer soccer camp (Fifth Annual in 2026) at Capuano Field for players entering Grades 1-4. Combines expert soccer training with cultural and academic experiences including language skills, storytelling, drawing, and learning about other countries. Camp Director: Scott Benjamin. Limited to 50 participants, $175 fee, lunch provided.
• Kristine Lilly Soccer Clinic Annual three-day soccer clinic (Third Annual in 2026) hosted by USWNT legend Kristine Lilly at Conway Field. Open to players entering Grades 1-8, includes skills training, drills, and world-class coaching experience. $250 total cost for the week.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13 teams qualified for MYSL Commissioner's Cup Tournament
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PUMAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPUMA is the official uniform sponsor providing team uniforms for In-Town and Travel programs. In-Town uniforms branded as PUMA Team Rise. Travel families order PUMA kits through partners at UniSport/WeGotSoccer.
• DICK'S Sporting GoodscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor and community partner providing t-shirts for Tykes program participants. Also offers periodic discounts (20% off) for SYS families at Medford and Boston House of Sport locations.
• ChobaniminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChobani, Official Nutrition Partner of U.S. Soccer, running Feed The Dream program. SYS competing for $5,000 grant among 10 MA organizations as part of Chobani's $5 million investment in US Soccer.
• Boston Vigor FC AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership expanding playing and coaching opportunities throughout Somerville. SYS-affiliated select/travel soccer program operating under Boston Vigor FC branding with teams in various age groups.
• Boston Legacy FCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStrategic partnership with newest NWSL franchise beginning inaugural season Spring 2026. Organizations working together to promote events and grassroots activities.
• Somerville United FCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership to promote events and grassroots soccer activities. Somerville United FC hosting SYS pre-season clinic.
• New England RevolutionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Santander and City of Somerville for New England Revolution Academy Clinic July 12th. Revolution Academy coaches providing instruction at event.
• Tufts UniversitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual Tufts Community Grant provides resources for organization's financial assistance program. Tufts Triangle field used for programs. SYS Day at Tufts soccer events hosted.
• Lowe'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganization's official home improvement store providing cash and additional resources. DIY projects and workshop sponsorship.
• Opella AllegraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partnership with allergy relief company providing resources to assist with organization's logistics.
• Villeside CustomsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partnership for resources and merchandising. Custom merchandise collaboration featuring Somerville pride gear.
• Joint Ventures Physical TherapyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides injury and prevention care webinars and resources for SYS families. Kelsey Robinson and Dr. Zainab Shirazi offer educational content for young athletes.
• Bow MarketminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner hosting SYS World Cup watch parties and Annual General Meeting. Located at Bow Market in Somerville.
• US Youth SoccercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAffiliated organization providing guidelines, session plans, survival guides, and Safe Soccer policies. Mass Youth Soccer provides same resources at state level.
• Middlesex Youth Soccer League (MYSL)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSYS travel teams compete in MYSL against other towns. League provides competition structure, rules, and MTOC tournament eligibility.
• SportsEnginecoreTechnology or IntegrationPlatform powering website, registration, scheduling, team management, and mobile app. Sports Relationship Management (SRM) software provider.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Boston Area Youth Soccer (BAYS): Larger regional youth soccer league serving Greater Boston with multiple affiliated clubs. While SYS plays in MYSL rather than BAYS, BAYS represents the dominant competitive umbrella structure for comparable community clubs.
• American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO): National non-profit youth soccer organization with a Region-based volunteer model very similar to SYS. Comparable in mission (affordable, accessible, volunteer-led youth soccer) and program structure, though operating at vastly greater scale.
• Massachusetts Youth Soccer (Mass Youth Soccer): State-level governing body under US Youth Soccer that provides SYS with session plans, Safe Soccer policies, and tournament eligibility (MTOC). Operates as an umbrella peer for organizational structure, coach education, and competitive pathways.

Emerging players

• Super Soccer Stars: For-profit youth soccer instruction provider operating in Greater Boston with paid classes and camps for toddler-through-youth ages. Overlaps with SYS Tykes and clinic offerings but competes on convenience and frequency rather than seasonal club membership.
• New England Revolution Academy: MLS-affiliated paid academy pathway for elite youth players in New England. Represents the higher-end pay-to-play alternative that SYS Travel families may select for elite development, and a partnership counterparty (Revolution Academy Clinic co-hosted with SYS).
• Boston Legacy FC: NWSL expansion franchise beginning play in 2026. Has a formal strategic partnership with SYS to promote grassroots activities, making it a peer in the women's/youth soccer ecosystem and a potential feeder for elite player identification.

Direct peers

• Medford Youth Soccer: Direct peer serving Medford, MA, also competing in MYSL. Runs an analogous community-based youth soccer model with travel teams that play Somerville, mirroring SYS's structure and pricing philosophy.
• Arlington Youth Soccer: Direct peer in Arlington, MA, another MYSL town. Operates similar in-town/travel programming and competes directly against SYS Travel teams, making it a like-for-like comparable for participation and pricing benchmarks.
• Boston Vigor FC: Select/travel academy partner of Somerville Youth Soccer. Operates the higher-level competitive pathway that SYS players feed into, sharing coaching resources and tournament rosters across age groups.
• Cambridge Youth Soccer: Direct geographic peer serving Cambridge, MA, a neighboring city in the Middlesex Youth Soccer League. Operates a comparable volunteer-led, in-town and travel structure with similar age-tiered programs and shared MYSL competition.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZjOTVfT39yRjHi7eE8vk6g
• Facebookfacebook.com/Somerville-Youth-Soccer-108487621550803
• Instagraminstagram.com/somervilleyouthsoccer
• Xtwitter.com/somervillesoccer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Somerville Youth Soccer