CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WWBT) – Parents don’t have to pay a penny this season for their students to play soccer in a program featured at certain Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Around 45 students at Ecoff Elementary School are a part of an after- school program ran by local soccer club First Touch Sports. It predominantly serves kids who are not able to pay the high costs of playing soccer.

“To know that we could provide this for families who have never been in an organized soccer program, it didn’t take a lot, it took no time, to agree to the program,” Brian Campos, the principal at Ecoff Elementary School, said.

Campos said a good portion of the students at Ecoff fall below the poverty line, deeming it a Title One school.

The need for something like this is there, he says.

This season is special. All the players at Ecoff, as well as 30 additional players at Elizabeth Scott Elementary School, will be playing soccer for free.

First Touch Sports received a grant called “Get On the Bus.”

“We are breaking down two barriers” Tim Ryerson, the Director of Chapter Management for the program, said.

The first one, Ryerson explained, is the pay-to-play model used across the country.

Receiving US Soccer funding, the grant provides each child with brand new cleats and shin guards, as well as a jersey and ball. It also offers tutoring for students, as needed.

“It works perfectly for a community that has financial needs and really at times is living pay check to pay check and has to keep a balanced budget,” Campos said.

The second barrier is the transportation to and from soccer.

“The school is the hub and then basically the school buses drive to the school, pick up the kids, and bring them to the fields so they can participate on the weekends,” Ryerson said.

How transportation will work at Ecoff and Elizabeth Scott is still being worked out.

All students will meet at Bensley Park on Saturday mornings for a fall season full of games.

“Soccer is just the vehicle for these kids to have opportunity,” Ryerson said.

The “Get on the Bus” program’s goal is to have 10,000 additional kids playing soccer by the 2026 World Cup.

Copyright 2025 WWBT. All rights reserved.

by Dennis Miller  March 12, 2024 2:56 pm

When Valley View Elementary School in Pleasanton partnered with the Ballistic United Soccer Club and the Get on the Bus program that helps bring the game of soccer to underprivileged kids, there were simple things they had hoped to accomplish.

It wasn’t just the experience of playing the wonderful game of soccer, but it also encompassed academic aid, nutritional help and learning life lessons.

It was a success right off the bat. But along the way something else happened – the team got good.

Following a great performance in the regular season, as well as strong effort at the Davis tournament last fall, the team was selected to participate in the Cal North winter league to represent Ballistic in the Under-12 Division.

The players practiced up to three times a week and played on Saturdays, which meant the players had to endure the elements – including the heavy rain and winds.

The season consisted of a total of 10 games that were all played at neighboring communities, such as Walnut Creek, San Ramon, West Contra Costa, Mount Diablo and Danville, with no home games in Pleasanton.

Valley View won eight of the games, scoring 37 goals, with the defense recording three shutouts. The results are not final, but it appears the group will finish atop the standings.

by Michael Lewis  April 24, 2024

The Get on the Bus program was launched at Moylan School in Hartford, Conn. (Photo courtesy of the CJSA)

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association has announced that it is assisting with the launch of a Get on the Bus Afterschool Program at the Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School in Hartford, Conn.

The CJSA received a grant as part of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Innovate to Grow Initiative, and the state association is now directing funds from the grant to help launch this free program for the Hartford community.

“We are extremely excited to be able to launch the Get on the Bus Program at the Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan School, and we look forward to making it a great success,” CJSA executive director Josh Krusewski said in a statement. “We have great partners in the Get on the Bus Program as well as those at the Moylan School, and we are positive that this program will be impactful for all involved.”

Tim Ryerson, Staci Wilson, Maj. Erin Issler, Lt Col. Marci Wilson, Tyler smaha, Pres. by LeagueApps – 3-14-24 by United Soccer Coaches Podcast

Tune in to the latest episode of the United Soccer Coaches Podcast with our host Dean Linke! We’re thrilled to feature guests like Tim Ryerson discussing the impactful ‘Get on the Bus’ program at Mclean Youth Soccer , Staci Wilson sharing insights as the new head coach of a women’s team in Florida , and insightful conversations with Key VAMA…

Institute for Youth Sports Leaders (IYSL)

February 28, 2024

Featured Youth Sports Clubs

Ellicott City Soccer Club (MD), Ballistic United Soccer Club (CA), Sky Soccer Club (KY), United PDX Soccer Club (OR), Hillsborough Rush (OR).

Featured Leader

Tim Ryerson , Creator of GET ON THE BUS(GOTB) & Associate Executive Director, Mclean Youth Soccer (VA).

FULLY EQUIPPED, GET ON THE BUS PARTICIPANTS FROM TITLE I SCHOOLS

In 2018, Tim Ryerson launched the ‘Get On the Bus’, (GOTB), aimed at supporting 4th and 5th grade students in underserved communities. This innovative program offers a comprehensive package including soccer coaching, life skills sessions, homework help, healthy snacks, and transportation to and from the soccer field. With a vision to reach 10,000 youth participants by the FIFA World Cup in 2026, GOTB has garnered participation from prominent clubs across the USA.

Why ‘Get on the Bus’ is a Best Practice Example

Institute for Youth Sports Leaders (IYSL) recognizes Ellicott City, Ballistic United, Sky Soccer Club, United PDX, and Hillsborough Rush for best practice. GOTB supports the desire of club executives to give back to society while benefiting their organizations. By aligning with the philanthropic goals outlined in club missions, GOTB attracts goodwill, sponsorship interest, and revenue from player registrations. Moreover, it provides access to a diverse player pool, fosters community engagement, and offers valuable life lessons in volunteering.

Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity

GOTB prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity by targeting participants from Title I schools and allocating $500 per participant for uniforms and equipment. Recognizing transportation as a significant barrier for underserved communities, the program collaborates with schools to arrange bus transportation for students to training and game locations. Additionally, employing teachers and coaches to supervise the program further enhances inclusivity.

Program Funding

Initially self-funded by Ellicott City Soccer Club members, GOTB has received substantial support from local businesses, sponsors, and grants such as the United States Soccer Federation’s ‘Innovate to Grow’ grant. Tim Ryerson’s proactive approach has help to secure grant funding from USSF for eight state associations (Nevada, Nevada, California North, California South, Connecticut, Oregon, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Washington) while ongoing efforts aim to tap into school funding opportunities available to Title 1 institutions. Additional funding sources include individual donations, club fundraising, program sponsors and local, regional and national corporate giving.

Measuring Impact

While the positive impact of GOTB on participants is evident, the program is actively developing comprehensive metrics to measure its influence on academic performance, physical health, and socio-emotional development. Collaborating with schools, GOTB aims to track indicators such as attendance, grades, and behavior, providing valuable insights into the program’s effectiveness. Early success stories of high school graduates volunteering as coaches highlight the lasting impact of the initiative.

Program Summary

Despite initial challenges in gaining recognition and support, Tim Ryerson’s perseverance has propelled GOTB into a national initiative with widespread interest and participation. With a vision to expand across all states in the USA and beyond, GOTB welcomes collaboration from individuals and organizations committed to making a difference in the lives of young athletes from underserved communities. Through soccer, GOTB not only nurtures athletic talent but also empowers communities, embodying the spirit of inclusivity and social responsibility in youth sports.

Best Practice Alignment

The adoption of GOTB by the previously mentioned clubs aligns with success factor #18 (out of 60) – The organization operates in partnership with local communities and schools.