YWCA Youth Soccer
Futures Player Discovery Series (Fall 2025)
Tuesdays | August 26 – September 30 | 6:00–7:30 PM
Henninger High School Turf Field
Syracuse City FC is excited to offer the Futures Player Discovery Series, a 6-week training program for 4th–6th grade players interested in developing their game and becoming part of the Syracuse City FC family.
This free program is designed to:
• Keep current Futures players engaged in a fun, high-quality training environment
• Identify and welcome new players into our community
• Build skills, confidence, and connection on and off the field
Whether you're returning or new to the game, this is a great opportunity to train with our coaches, meet new teammates, and be considered for our 2025 Futures roster.
*You do not need to register if you have participated in any of our 2024-25 soccer programs.
OUR STORY
Over the past 8 years, YWCA’s Youth Soccer Initiative has positively impacted nearly 1,000 youth—many of whom are refugees and newcomers living in the City of Syracuse and Onondaga Nation.
Our Initiative is made up of two programs: Soccer for Success and Syracuse City Futbol Community (FC). Together, they create a powerful continuum that leverages the joy of soccer to engage youth in proven curricula and enrichment activities that improve health and wellbeing, support progressive skill development, and respond intentionally to the needs of our youth.
Our work is grounded in the values of:
Equity, by offering all programming free of charge to eliminate financial barriers;
Inclusion, by welcoming youth from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities;
Community, by using soccer to foster unity, mentorship, and cross-cultural connection; and
Development, by nurturing each young person’s growth—on the field, in school, and in life.
Through this programming, we promote a culture of unity, compassion, collaboration, and excellence, while providing opportunities to learn, play, develop healthy lifestyles, and increase pathways to lifelong success.
For more information, please contact David Pittman at dpittman@ywca-syracuse.org or 315-424-0040.
OUR PROGRAMS
-
Soccer for Success
Building Healthy Bodies, Strong Minds, and Confident Futures
Offered in partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Soccer for Success is a free, evidence-based program designed for children in grades K–8. While introducing youth to the fundamentals of soccer, the program goes far beyond the game—supporting children in developing essential social-emotional skills that lead to long-term success both on and off the field.
At its core, Soccer for Success promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, positive relationships, and responsible decision-making. Participants improve not only their physical health and fitness but also their confidence, self-esteem, and behavior, all while building a strong sense of belonging and connection to peers and mentors.
The program is structured around Five Core Components:
Physical Activity – Helping youth develop healthy routines and physical literacy
Health & Wellness – Teaching nutrition and lifestyle habits that promote long-term wellbeing
Mentorship – Providing trusted adult role models who nurture growth and resilience
Community Engagement – Encouraging youth to build connections and give back
Safe Spaces – Creating inclusive, trauma-informed environments where every child is valued
Through 60–90 minute sessions, two to three times per week, trained coach-mentors lead activities that seamlessly integrate health education with SEL-focused games and discussions, helping youth become stronger, healthier, and more self-confident—both on the field and in life.
The Soccer for Success program model is built upon Five Core Components: Physical Activity, Health & Wellness, Mentorship, Community Engagement, and Safe Spaces. These components make up the foundation of the Soccer for Success program and are the building blocks of the curriculum and training.
Our evidence-based program provides a two–three times a week, 60–90 minutes per session curriculum that uses integrated learning activities to teach health and wellness lessons, typically focused on nutrition learning objectives.
*Limited space available.
-
Syracuse City FC (Futbol Community)
Equity. Belonging. Growth.
Syracuse City FC is a free, community-based club program rooted in Syracuse’s Northside, designed to provide competitive soccer opportunities for youth who have historically faced barriers to play. The program is structured into three developmental tiers:
Futures (4th–6th grade) – Focused on building foundational skills, teamwork, and a love for the game
Dreamers (7th–9th grade) – Supporting players as they refine technique, grow in confidence, and deepen their understanding of the sport
Elite (10th–12th grade) – Preparing advanced players for high-level competition and future pathways in and beyond soccer
Our commitment to equity ensures that all programming is offered free of charge, removing financial barriers that often limit access to club sports.
Syracuse City FC is more than a competitive program—it is a space where youth develop socially and emotionally through sport. Grounded in our core values of Equity, Inclusion, Community, and Development, we intentionally integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) into every session. Players build resilience, empathy, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging that supports them both on and off the field.
The program runs across three seasons:
November–January (Indoor League)
February–April (Indoor League)
May–June (Outdoor League)
Indoor sessions take place at Syracuse Indoor Sports Center and CNY Family Sports Center, while outdoor activities are held at CNY Family Sports Center. Elite teams may travel regionally for competition, and girls’ teams are often combined during the summer, competing weekly on Saturdays.
Syracuse City FC is more than a club—it’s a futbol community where every young person is seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
*Limited space available.