At NRPA, we believe all kids deserve opportunities to play, grow and thrive through sports. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Major League Soccer (MLS) and RCX Sports to expand MLS GO, a recreational youth soccer program designed to increase access to soccer for boys and girls ages 4-14 in communities nationwide.
What is MLS GO?
MLS GO is Major League Soccer’s grassroots recreational youth soccer program that reaches players outside of the traditional youth soccer ecosystem. Whether a child is playing soccer for the first time or seeking a fun, supportive environment to grow their skills, MLS GO ensures that soccer is accessible to all. The program provides local park and recreation agencies with a structured and elevated experience, while remaining true to the spirit of fun and inclusivity that makes youth sports so special. Youth learn basic soccer skills, build confidence and develop a lasting love for the game in a welcoming environment. By bringing MLS GO to your community, you can:
- Increase youth sports participation by reaching kids who aren’t involved in existing programs
- Provide a low-cost, welcoming and comprehensive soccer option for families
- Build community connections through the excitement of Major League Soccer
- Help youth develop lifelong physical literacy, teamwork and confidence
Success Stories from the Field
Local park and recreation agencies across the country are seeing success with implementing MLS GO. Pullman Parks and Recreation in Washington is committed to offering a variety of recreational activities, wellness programs, and adult and youth sports to the community. The department launched MLS GO in Fall 2024 and ran a second season in the Spring of 2025 with great success, engaging over 700 participants, ages 5 to 14. They took advantage of the MLS GO PLAY FUND in 2024 to provide scholarships to participants to help eliminate participation barriers.
Campbell County Parks and Recreation in Virginia experienced similar results, offering MLS GO in Fall of 2024 and Spring of 2025. Through two seasons, they’ve already engaged nearly 600 participants across the community. They were also able to offer scholarships with support from the MLS GO PLAY FUND, reducing barriers to entry for all families.
In California, the City of Woodlake Parks and Recreation serves a relatively small community of around 8,000 people. MLS GO has taken off and is providing opportunities for kindergarteners through 8th graders to play soccer. They also took advantage of the MLS GO PLAY FUND to support scholarships and successfully operated their first season in 2024 with nearly 600 participants enrolled.
And in Arizona, the City of Surprise Parks and Recreation is the largest park and recreation operated MLS GO league to date, with two seasons (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) engaging nearly 4,000 youth!
These success stories show that MLS GO not only attracts large numbers of participants but also provides a pathway to making soccer accessible to all families.
And, we have great news for park and recreation departments! If you’re considering launching a youth soccer league, there’s a new opportunity to boost your efforts. From 2025 to 2026, NRPA is partnering with MLS GO and RCX Sports to distribute up to $100,000 through the MLS GO PLAY FUND to support local park and recreation agencies like yours. The MLS GO PLAY FUND is an annual MLS financial commitment dedicated to removing economic barriers and supporting the MLS mission to make soccer more accessible for all children. The fund, which is facilitated through the RCX Sports Foundation, provides annual financial support to help offset seasonal costs for MLS GO League operators and individual players.
These funds can help you start your league, reach more kids in your community, and ensure every child has the chance to experience the joy of soccer. This is a great chance to grow your youth sports programs and make an even bigger impact.
We encourage park and recreation professionals to explore how MLS GO can enhance your youth sports offerings and create more opportunities for every child to play. Learn more about bringing MLS GO to your agency in an upcoming webinar or get started today!
Teresa Morrissey is a senior program manager at NRPA.