Girls in Soccer Continues to Empower the Next Generation of Female Athletes
For the second year, Florida Youth Soccer Association’s (FYSA) Girls in Soccer Program traveled the state, providing young female athletes with an opportunity to develop not only as soccer players, but as confident, empowered young women.
What began as an idea to create a space where girls could learn, grow, and connect through soccer has continued to thrive. This year, the free program welcomed participants from communities across Florida, stopping in St. Petersburg, Englewood, Clermont, Clay County, Port St. Lucie, Tallahassee, and Navarre.
While soccer remains at the heart of the program, Girls in Soccer offers much more than technical training and on-field development. Each event features educational classroom sessions designed to teach participants valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game. Topics included mental health, nutrition, social media safety, strength and conditioning, injury prevention, leadership, and overall athlete wellness.
By combining soccer instruction with educational sessions, Girls in Soccer creates a unique environment where participants can learn how to succeed both on and off the field. The value of the program was highlighted through the feedback and experiences shared by the girls who participated.
“Attending this girls only soccer clinic helped me improve my skills, confidence, and understanding of injury prevention and nutrition. I learned so much in a supportive environment and left feeling stronger and more motivated as a player. It was also nice to be able to network with familiar faces that I’ve played against in games before and getting to know them outside of the pitch.” said Olivia Cunningham, 14.
For older participants, the program also offered an opportunity to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
“For me attending this all girls clinic as one of the older players was fun because it gave me the opportunity to continue to be an example and role model for some of the younger girls there who may want someone to look up to. Playing soccer has impacted my life so much and getting to learn important skills to help increase my longevity in this sport was really nice and helpful,” said Arianna Cunningham, 13.
Even the youngest participants found valuable takeaways from the experience.
“I liked learning about healthy foods and the different types of proteins,” shared Ife Awotokunbo, 7.
The program’s success would not be possible without the dedicated presenters and professionals who volunteer their expertise to educate and inspire participants throughout the year.
“I feel so blessed to have been brought into this program and connected with these women and these girls. What Melissa has created here is something really special,” said Leslie Imhoff of True Standard Fitness. “Getting to come in and teach these athletes about fueling their bodies and moving them in a way that actually supports their performance has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. These girls are capable of so much more than they realize, physically and mentally, and watching that click for them is something I will never forget.”
Imhoff continued, “The lessons they are learning through soccer go so far beyond the field. They are learning to trust themselves, to show up, to do hard things. That carries into every area of their lives. I am so proud to be associated with this program and with Melissa. Her vision and the way she has made it come to life is truly inspiring. I cannot wait to see how much it grows.”
For Girls in Soccer founder Melissa Alford, the program’s continued growth is a reflection of the need for opportunities specifically designed for young female athletes.
“When I started Girls in Soccer, my goal was to create more than just a soccer clinic. I wanted to create a space where girls could build confidence, make connections, learn important life skills, and realize their potential both as athletes and as young women. Seeing the program reach communities across Florida and hearing the stories from the girls who participate has been incredibly rewarding. This program is about empowering girls to believe in themselves, on the field, in the classroom, and in every aspect of their lives.”
As the Girls in Soccer Program concludes its second year, its impact continues to grow across the state. Through education, mentorship, and a shared love of the game, the program is helping shape a generation of strong, confident female athletes while creating lasting connections within Florida’s soccer community.