The Spanish Fort Sports Association is among the beneficiaries of a new nationwide program spearheaded by RCX Sports to promote youth soccer access and participation.

Led by CEO Izell Reese, a Dothan native and UAB alum who played seven NFL seasons, a partnership was made between RCX Sports and Major League Soccer to help remove economic barriers and educate the next generation.

That falls right in line with MLS GO, the recreational youth soccer program operated by MLS with a mission of “creating an inclusive and elevated experience for all participants. Fun and affordability are at the heart of MLS GO with the ambition of enabling more kids to play soccer,” it says on their website.

Now, associations like the one in Spanish Fort can apply for help from the MLS GO PLAY FUND to potentially eliminate traditional barriers to entering youth sports like registration and equipment.

RCX Sports will facilitate all applications for the MLS GO PLAY FUND through its philanthropic arm, the RCX Sports Foundation, where MLS GO league operators can apply for support annually and individual MLS GO athletes can apply before the start of each season. RCX also facilitates similar financial support programs for other professional sports leagues’ recreational programs.

“At RCX Sports, everything we do is dedicated to improving accessibility and inclusion to youth sports for athletes everywhere,” Reese said. “The MLS GO PLAY FUND breaks down barriers to entry for kids across the country who want to get involved with one of the world’s most popular sports, soccer, and RCX is proud to work with MLS through MLS GO to help create a new generation of youth soccer players.”

Not only that, but MLS also announced the launch of the MLS GO PLAYBOOK coaching resource guide which is free to all coaches via the MLS GO website and on mobile through the TeamSnap or MOJO apps.

The PLAYBOOK is split into six age-specific, interactive manuals that give coaches a basic understanding of the physical, mental, technical, and tactical development of children between the ages of 4 and 14 and specific focus areas for each age group. The curriculum — developed by MLS in collaboration with NANOCOM, a leading European company in soccer content — includes hundreds of age-appropriate training exercises and session-by-session practice plans.

“We are excited to launch the MLS GO PLAYBOOK as a resource that increases access to youth soccer coaching materials and aids in MLS GO’s mission of improving participation in recreational soccer by players from all backgrounds and genders,” said Fred Lipka, MLS Vice President of Player and Youth Development. “The curriculum encourages steady development for both players and coaches while creating an enjoyable soccer experience.”

Visit mlssoccer.com/mlsgo for more information on the program.