Why This Partnership Matters
Youth sports have never been more important—or more challenging.
Across the country, clubs, coaches, referees, and administrators are working hard to create positive experiences for young athletes, yet many continue to face challenges stemming from adult behavior on the sidelines. While most parents want the best for their children, few have ever been taught what effective sports parenting looks like or how their actions influence the youth sports environment.
Recognizing both the opportunity and responsibility to lead positive change, Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) has partnered with Soccer Parenting to provide families, clubs, coaches, and communities with practical education and resources that support healthy player development and a more positive soccer culture.
At the center of the partnership is The Sideline Project, a globally recognized initiative designed to help adults understand the important role they play in shaping the youth sports experience. Through short, practical education programs and a shared commitment to positive sideline behavior, the initiative empowers parents to become active contributors to a supportive and development-focused environment.
This partnership represents more than a discount on an educational course. It reflects a statewide commitment to creating a shared standard for adult behavior in youth soccer—one that benefits players, coaches, referees, clubs, and families alike.
By making parent education more accessible and encouraging clubs across Virginia to participate, VYSA is taking a proactive approach to strengthening club culture, reducing sideline issues, improving communication, and helping young athletes thrive both on and off the field.
As the Fall 2026 season approaches, Virginia Youth Soccer and Soccer Parenting invite clubs and families across the Commonwealth to join this effort and help create the kind of youth soccer environment every child deserves.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Virginia Youth Soccer Association and The Sideline Project / Soccer Parenting Announce Statewide Partnership to Advance Supportive Soccer Culture and Parent Education
Richmond, VA.
Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and The Sideline Project / Soccer Parenting are proud to announce a new partnership focused on creating a more positive youth soccer experience for players, parents, coaches, referees, and clubs across the Commonwealth.
Beginning July 1, 2026, The Sideline Project / Soccer Parenting will serve as the Official Supportive Soccer Culture & Education Partner of VYSA, providing parents and clubs with resources, education, and tools designed to strengthen the youth soccer environment both on and off the field.
The partnership will launch with The Sideline Project, Soccer Parenting's nationally recognized initiative that encourages supportive sideline behavior and equips parents with practical strategies to better support their children throughout their soccer journey. Through the partnership, VYSA members will receive a 25% discount on The Sideline Project certification course, along with access to additional Soccer Parenting educational resources and future learning opportunities.
As part of the partnership, VYSA will also serve as an affiliate partner of The Sideline Project, allowing the association to reinvest affiliate revenue generated through member participation back into supporting youth soccer throughout Virginia. Beyond the initial launch, VYSA and Soccer Parenting will work together to expand parent education opportunities through club communications, coaching education, leadership programming, and statewide initiatives.
"Developing great players starts with creating great environments. Through our partnership with Soccer Parenting, VYSA is investing in the education and resources that help parents, coaches, clubs, and players work together to build a positive and supportive soccer culture across Virginia. We are proud to welcome Soccer Parenting as our Official Supportive Soccer Culture & Education Partner."
-Serkan Orsan, Executive Director, Virginia Youth Soccer Association
"Virginia Youth Soccer is demonstrating real leadership by recognizing that parents will be difference makers when it comes to improving the game. When parents, coaches, clubs, and administrators share a common understanding of what a supportive youth sports environment looks like, everyone benefits. We are excited to partner with VYSA to support families across the state and continue building a healthier soccer culture together."
-Skye Eddy, Founder & CEO, The Sideline Project & Soccer Parenting
The partnership officially launches on July 1, 2026, with a summer awareness campaign leading into the Fall 2026 season. During July and August, VYSA and Soccer Parenting will introduce clubs and families to The Sideline Project through coordinated communications, educational resources, and opportunities for parent engagement before the start of league play.
About Virginia Youth Soccer Association
Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is the official state youth soccer association serving thousands of players, coaches, referees, clubs, and administrators throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. VYSA is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and development-focused soccer environment for every participant.
About Soccer Parenting
Soccer Parenting is dedicated to improving the youth soccer experience by educating, supporting, and empowering parents, coaches, and clubs. Through research-based resources, educational programming, and initiatives such as The Sideline Project, Soccer Parenting works to create healthier, more positive environments where every young player can thrive. Contact
