ORGANIZATIONS
Worcester is home to a number of culturally rich soccer organizations.
African Community Education (ACE)
ACE is a non-profit that provides academic and non-academic support to African immigrant and refugee youth and their families. One of the ways they do this is by having a youth soccer team. They’ve been in operation since 2006 in the heart of Worcester.
Ages: Grades 5-12
Genders: All
Languages: English, French, Swahili, Twi
Website: http://www.acechildren.org
Contact: info@acechildren.org, 508-459-2284
Cultural Exchange Through Soccer (CETS)
CETS is a grassroots organization that seeks to provide Worcester’s youth and immigrants with opportunities to engage with their surroundings in ways that allow both individual and community to grow. They have a youth soccer program for boys and girls ages 8-18. They’re centered in the Elm Park/Highland St. area and have been since 2003.
Ages: 8-18
Genders: All
Language: English
Website: https://www.facebook.com/culturalexchangethroughsoccer/
Contact: Cassie Giardina – cets.worcester@gmail.com
Pick UP 4 Soccer
Pick UP 4 Soccer provides a free opportunity for kids to play soccer in a supportive, no pressure, no commitment environment. They have drop-in times on most Saturday afternoons (check their schedule) from 12-3pm in University Park off of Main St. They operate with the generous support of the Main South CDC.
Ages: 4-11
Genders: All
Languages: English, Spanish, Twi
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pickup4soccer/
Contact: Kwame Appiah – kappiah27@yahoo.com, 774-823-8193
Worcester Refugee Assistance Project
WRAP is a network of individuals committed to assisting local refugees from Burma achieve sustainable self-reliance through mentoring, advocacy and providing material support as needed. One of their efforts is also to run a youth soccer team.
Languages: English
Website: http://www.worcesterrefugees.org
Contact: Lesa McWalters – info@worcesterrefugees.org
Leagues
Ready to play competitively?
Worcester Youth Soccer League (WYSL)
The Worcester Youth Soccer League is a non-profit, all volunteer, organization established to serve soccer players at a youth level in the City of Worcester. Their teams compete in both competitive travel leagues as well as an in-house developmental league with opportunities for players of all skill levels.
Ages: Pre-K – College age
Genders: All
Language: English
Website: http://wysl.org
Contact: Chris Comeaux, Admin & Communication – admin@wysl.org
Teams
Feel like taking in a game?
Worcester Smiles – United Women’s Soccer
Worcester Smiles Players welcome everyone to come watch a season of great soccer by the highest level of women playing from Worcester to Boston. Kick off is 7pm.
For tickets www.fcsmiles.org