Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) is introducing an exciting new soccer program to second-grade classrooms this fall.
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and Alexandria Soccer Association (ASA) have teamed up with ACPS to launch “Soccer IN School,” thanks to a U.S. Soccer Innovate to Grow grant.
Every second-grade PE class in the district will now include a two-week soccer unit, reaching all 1,360 second-graders.
Kristin Donley, ACPS Health & PE Instructional Specialist, says, “This partnership will be a valuable asset, supporting skill-focused instruction in the PE setting where both teachers and students reap benefits. Anytime you can enhance a unit of instruction by bringing in experts it increases student engagement and makes learning the unit more fun. Additionally, this program will foster a social-emotional perspective as students learn how to show good sportsmanship and work as a team”.
The program includes training with U.S. Soccer licensed coaches, intro to referees and game rules, pro player visits, and PE teacher training.
Students also get a “Soccer Skills Challenge” take-home packet with a soccer ball and jersey, encouraging them to keep playing outside school.
Don Rawson, VYSA Executive Director, is excited, saying, “VYSA is proud to partner with the Alexandria Soccer Association on this initiative. The club is known for innovative approaches to supporting the local community through the sport of soccer. This exciting Soccer IN School program would not be as successful without the significant investment and support of U.S. Soccer. As this program is launched, it will be fun to see the smiles on children’s faces—especially with the World Cup coming to the United States in 2026″.
The program is part of ASA’s Access4All Programming and will be run by Johnatan Nunez, who worked with Donley on the curriculum. It combines the U.S. Soccer curriculum with Virginia’s PE Standards of Learning for second-graders.
Tommy Park, ASA’s Executive Director, says, “Our team is proud that U.S. Soccer selected the City of Alexandria, through VYSA & ASA, to innovate and build on our Access4All project. Combating the national trend of the decline in youth sports is achieved by working tirelessly to inspire young people to PLAY, join a team, have FUN and develop long lasting friendships. We accept the challenge and are driven to broaden our partnership with the schools, teachers, community partners and parents!”
The Innovate to Grow Fund, started in 2017, helps U.S. Soccer members launch new programs to boost participation. Last year, it funded 27 programs, reaching over 760,000 players, coaches, and referees nationwide.
