What is Play Where You Stay?
At Play Where You Stay, we believe every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of soccer, right in their own neighborhood. Our mission is simple yet profound: to bring high-quality soccer programs to every child in underserved areas of Memphis, ensuring that no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. We’re committed to breaking down barriers, fostering community, and igniting a passion for the beautiful game, one neighborhood, one child at a time. Join us in making soccer accessible to all!
Our Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Play Where You Stay is a non-profit organization dedicated to making soccer accessible to all children, particularly in underserved communities. We aim to break down barriers like cost and transportation by bringing high-quality soccer coaching directly to neighborhood parks and lots. Our mission is to expose children to the “world’s game” and foster development both on and off the field.
Our Neighborhood program costs $10/week for three sessions.
The Academy costs $150.00 including uniform jerseys. We offer payment plans and financial assistance
Game Day is $5 for two hours of play.
No child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.
Play Where You Stay offers a range of programs tailored to different age groups and skill levels:
- Neighborhood Developmental Program: This after-school program provides quality instruction to children ages 5-11 in various neighborhood parks. It focuses on learning the basics of soccer in a fun, accessible environment.
- Academy Teams: For boys and girls ages 12-18, these teams offer skilled club-level training and the chance to compete against local teams. This program supplements middle and high school soccer, helping players develop their skills and connect with college coaches.
- Coaching Pipeline: Play Where You Stay also trains and employs older youth and young adults from local universities and the communities they serve, creating a valuable coaching pipeline and providing employment opportunities.
Play Where You Stay significantly benefits communities by:
- Increasing Access to Sport: They eliminate financial and transportation barriers, allowing more children to participate in soccer, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
- Promoting Physical Activity and Health: By providing opportunities for play, they encourage active lifestyles and combat issues like childhood obesity.
- Developing Life Skills: Through soccer, children learn vital skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, discipline, and perseverance.
- Building Community: The programs create safe and supportive environments where children, families, and coaches can connect and build lasting friendships.
- Empowering Youth: The coaching pipeline provides valuable employment and mentorship opportunities for young adults.
Participation in Play Where You Stay’s developmental programs is generally open to children in kindergarten through 5th grade (ages 5-11).
Our Academy teams cater to youth ages 12-18.
Play Where You Stay’s primary goals are to:
- Increase access to soccer: By removing barriers of time, travel, and expense.
- Provide high-quality coaching: Ensuring every child receives excellent instruction regardless of their background.
- Foster holistic development: Teaching important life skills alongside soccer techniques.
- Build strong communities: Creating safe and supportive environments for play and connection.
Empower future leaders: Through their coaching pipeline and mentorship.
As a non-profit organization, Play Where You Stay relies on a variety of funding sources. This includes donations from individuals, grants from foundations, and potentially some program fees (though they strive to keep these minimal and ensure no one is excluded due to cost). They often receive support through community programs and partnerships.
There are several ways to get involved with Play Where You Stay:
- Donate: As a non-profit, financial contributions are crucial. You can often make one-time or recurring donations on their website to support their programs and scholarship opportunities.
- Become a Coach or Volunteer: Play Where You Stay recruits and trains coaches and often relies on volunteers to support their operations. You can inquire about coaching or volunteer opportunities if you have a passion for soccer and youth development.
- Partnerships: If you represent a community organization, school, or have an available space, you can reach out to Play Where You Stay to explore potential partnerships for bringing their programs to your area.
Academy