New Jersey Youth Soccer has officially announced the addition of Real Central NJ (RCNJ) as a member club through its Innovate to Grow community outreach. The Innovate to Grow Fund was introduced by the U.S. Soccer Federation in pursuit of its mission to make soccer the preeminent sport in the United States. The initiative seeks to develop underserved soccer communities, with an overall focus on building the sport at the grassroots level.
“We are thrilled to see the progress that NJYS has made using the ITG grant in the past two years,” said US Soccer President Cindy Cone. “The work that NJYS and all of our members do continues to be invaluable as we strive to grow our game for all.”
RCNJ’s mission within youth soccer is to find and fill gaps within the youth landscape. By partnering with NJ Youth Soccer, RCNJ believes they will be able to fulfill that mission and help the youth game to grow in the area. Specifically, with the help of NJ Youth Soccer, RCNJ is looking to offer additional grassroots options, including clinics and training, to under-served communities around Mercer County, in addition to starting a high school recreational league, as their initial efforts.
“New Jersey has a fantastic soccer culture and many great clubs,” said Ira Jersey, RCNJ Men’s General Manager. “Our goal is to identify gaps and try to fill them in as we help groups that need extra support around Mercer County and greater Central Jersey. We’re excited to partner with New Jersey Youth Soccer in these efforts.”
Starting out as a new club, Real Central NJ was tasked with turning its vision into a reality during a tumultuous 2020. Despite the ever-changing sports landscape, RCNJ managed to remain flexible and find creative solutions that allowed them to continue to operate. A large part of their success is due to the club’s volunteers. As a result of their dedicated volunteer staff of 18 college interns, RCNJ is able to focus daily on their marketing, operational and managerial efforts to provide their partners and players with the ability to grow and gain experience.
“Helping Ira and the team at RCNJ bring pre-professional soccer to their community was truly fulfilling, and one of the most exciting parts about this position,” stated David Ricca, NJYS ITG Project Consultant. “With just a little assistance, we are able to make a big difference, and I hope other clubs are able to learn about the initiative.”
With the assistance of NJ Youth Soccer and the Innovate to Grow grant, Real Central NJ now sets its focus on expanding the youth programming that is offered throughout Trenton and Mercer County.
For more information about Innovate to Grow, please contact David Ricca, NJYS Innovate to Grow Consultant, at david@njyouthsoccer.com. To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
