Florida Youth Soccer Association and Girl Talk Announce Transformative Partnership to Empower the Next Generation of Female Leaders Through Sport
Auburndale, FL (June 19, 2025) – Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking new partnership with Girl Talk, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls through peer-to-peer mentorship and leadership development. Together, FYSA and Girl Talk will collaborate to expand access to impactful leadership programming for young female athletes across Florida, helping them grow as confident players, resilient leaders, and empowered individuals on and off the field.
This partnership marks a shared commitment to supporting the holistic development of young athletes—emphasizing not only technical skills and competitive play but also the importance of personal growth, emotional well-being, and strong female mentorship. Through the creation of Girl Talk Clubs within FYSA communities, girls will gain access to meaningful peer connections, structured mentorship opportunities, and leadership training that complements their athletic journey.
“We’re incredibly excited to join forces with Girl Talk,” said FYSA President Daragh Cullen. “Soccer is a powerful vehicle for growth, and this partnership allows us to go beyond the game by giving our young female athletes the tools, support, and mentorship they need to become confident leaders both on and off the field.”
Girl Talk’s mission is to inspire all girls to live confidently, lead fearlessly, and support one another—a vision that deeply aligns with FYSA’s values of community, character, and leadership through sport. As the organizations join forces, they aim to equip more girls with critical life skills like communication, resilience, teamwork, and self-advocacy—skills that are just as important off the pitch as they are on it.
“Our partnership with the Florida Youth Soccer Association marks an exciting expansion of Girl Talk’s mission to empower the next generation of confident, fearless leaders, both on and off the field,” said Jayla Head, Girl Talk Programs Manager. “Through Girl Talk Clubs, we’re proud to provide girl athletes with the resources, peer-to-peer mentorship, and community they need to thrive in sports and in life.”
Kaela Chang, Executive Director of Girl Talk, echoed the excitement: “We’re thrilled to team up with the Florida Youth Soccer Association! This partnership will allow us to inspire even more young athletes on their personal leadership journeys. By bringing our proven mentorship and leadership programs to Florida’s vibrant soccer community, our combined impact extends far beyond just athletic development. Together, we’re building resilience, confidence, and crucial life skills that will benefit girls long after they leave the field, empowering them to lead in every part of their lives.”
This is more than just a partnership—it’s a shared investment in the future of girls’ sports, and a powerful step forward in supporting the next generation of changemakers in Florida and beyond.
About Girl Talk:
Girl Talk is a national non-profit that serves pre-teen and teenage girls through leadership development and peer-to-peer mentorship programming. Fueled by a mission to inspire all girls to be confident leaders, Girl Talk envisions a world where all girls can live confidently, lead fearlessly, and support one another. In its 22-year history, Girl Talk has served over 77,000 girls, providing the support and resources needed to thrive. To learn more, visit www.mygirltalk.org.
About FYSA:
Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the promotion and development of youth soccer in the state of Florida. FYSA is a member of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYS) and currently serves more than 200,000 registered players, coaches, and volunteers across the state.