New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) and adidas are committed to growing the game for female athletes, not just on the field, but in leadership roles across the soccer industry. Through the Growing the Girls Game (G3) Internship Program, NJYS is providing young women with valuable hands-on experience in sports management, event planning, and soccer administration, helping to shape the future of the sport.
Developing Future Female Leaders in Soccer
The NJYS Internship Program, presented by adidas, offers female college students the chance to gain real-world experience in the youth soccer industry, working directly with NJYS staff to organize major events, manage operations, and develop key business skills.
One of the latest participants in this initiative was Elise Radesich, a senior Sport Management major at the University of Delaware. Over the summer, Radesich played a pivotal role in supporting NJYS Event Coordinator Nicole Petras in organizing the NJYS Fall State Cups. From creating detailed event plans to executing them on-site, she gained invaluable experience in sports event management. 
“My internship gave me the opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of soccer event planning,” said Radesich. “The highlight was working the NJYS State Cups, where I finally got to meet my team in person after a fully remote internship. It was an eye-opening experience to see everything that goes into hosting a soccer tournament.”
As she wrapped up her internship, Radesich shared advice for future interns: “Be confident and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Next Up: A New Intern Continues the Mission
Taking over the NJYS Internship role for the spring semester is fellow Delaware Blue Hen, Khya Robinson. With a strong interest in sports management and event planning, Robinson was immediately drawn to NJYS for its impact on the youth soccer community.
“Many people watch games and attend events but don’t always realize the intricate details and hard work that go into making them happen,” said Robinson. “Through this internship, I want to learn about every aspect of the organization, from grassroots soccer to large-scale event execution.”
Robinson brings a diverse background to the role, having gained valuable business experience as a Wealth Management Transactional Analyst and Abandoned Property Analyst at JPMorgan Chase & Co. She believes that adaptability and time management are key to success—skills she plans to apply as she navigates the world of youth soccer administration.
Growing the Girls Game (G3) Initiative: Expanding Opportunities for Female Athletes
The G3 Internship Program is just one of the many initiatives NJ Youth Soccer offers to empower female athletes and leaders in the sport. The program provides hands-on experience in:
Event Planning & Operations – Assisting with major NJYS events, including the NJYS State Cups, Olympic Development Program (ODP), and Annual Awards Dinner.
Marketing & Outreach – Supporting NJYS with social media, communications, and grassroots engagement efforts.
Soccer Development & Administration – Learning the business and logistics behind running a statewide youth soccer organization.
By providing these unique leadership opportunities, NJYS and adidas are ensuring that more young women are equipped with the skills, confidence, and experience to pursue careers in the soccer industry—whether on the field, in the front office, or in business development.
How to Apply for the NJYS Internship
Are you a female college student interested in a career in sports management, event planning, or soccer administration? NJYS is actively seeking passionate young women to take part in the adidas-sponsored internship program.
To apply, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].
