Soccer’s so much more than a game —
It’s a passion that connects people of every age and culture all around the world. And with more than 9 million kids playing in youth soccer leagues in 2016, it makes it one of the top youth-participation sports in the U.S.
That’s why Target Brands has launched their youth soccer grants program to give more kids a chance to play.

Field Equipment

Do you need new field equipment to get your program going or to keep your existing program thriving? If you are in need of new goals, field markers, or flags you can apply to get support.

Team Equipment

Is your school in need of new balls, ball bags, pennies, whistles, uniforms, or other tools to help your teams succeed? Target’s youth soccer grant can help you get the team equipment you need to serve your students.

Professional Development / Coaches Training

Are you looking to provide coach development and training to ensure your teachers are prepared to meet the challenges of effectively teaching soccer and making playing soccer a fun and positive experience for the students? Target can help your school provide the training and development you need.

Who Can Apply?

  1. Schools interested in expanding soccer programs
  2. Schools interested in updating their fields and gear to teach soccer

Guidelines

  1. Projects are primarily focused on students ages 5-19, but can include other ages as well.
  2. Qualifying projects must designate a “Champion” – a key person who is responsible for project oversight and implementation.
  3. Projects may be designed to reach a specific group:  for example, girls, middle school athletes, athletes in a particular area, etc.
  4. Grants for $1,000.
  5. This is a pre-screen step. If your school qualifies you will be sent a link to the grant application website.

Preference will be given to:

  1. KEEP IT GOING! Projects that include a specific plan for sustainability: for example, purchasing sports gear that can be re-used, teacher training, partnering with other organizations, etc.
  2. Schools that are reaching low-income families.
  3. Projects that make use of available resources and tools for design and implementation to increase impact without increasing cost.

Expectations of awarded organizations:

All grant recipients will be required to submit a final report to KIDS in the GAME, detailing your project’s activities and results. Your report will include, but not limited to, the following information:

  • Number of kids who participated, separated by gender
  • Race/ethnicity of participants (optional)
  • Other identifying characteristics of the participating kids
  • Hours of physical activity the entire project generated
  • Challenges encountered during implementation of your project
  • Identify one or two project highlights or outstanding achievements

All grant recipients will be asked to complete a brief survey regarding satisfaction of the Target Youth Soccer Grant process, including suggestions for improvement.

What are Target Youth Soccer Grants?

Youth Soccer Grants are $1,000 grants to youth sports organization, churches, park and recs, and schools to support, grow and expand soccer programs. Each Target store will support an organization in their area. The funds may be used for field equipment, team equipment, professional development or coach training, and scholarships for low-income families.

What is the the history of Target’s Youth Soccer Grants?

The Target Youth Soccer Grants were launched in 2016. In 2016 Target partnered with the United States Soccer Federation and Scholarship America to market and deploy the grants. Over 900 organizations received support in 2016 helping those organizations reach more kids. In 2017, Target has partnered with KIDS in the GAME to reach even more organizations and get more kids playing soccer.

Who administers the Youth Soccer Grants?

The application, review, award agreement and evaluation stages are all administered by the Scholarship America and Target. Organizations apply digitally through the Youth Soccer Grant platform and are alerted on their application status at the conclusion of the review stage. At the conclusion of their program, awarded schools must submit an evaluation form back to KIDS in the GAME which includes program data, testimonials and pictures/videos.

What type of organization can apply for a grant?

Any organization providing recreational soccer programs may apply for support. Special consideration will be given to organizations focused on helping low-income kids gain access to soccer.

Does an applicant have to hold a specific role/title to apply?

No. Applications can be completed by coaches, executive directors, program leads, teachers, administrators, parents, PTO and PTA groups or community members. However, the applications must include a secondary contact that is associated with the organization because grant checks will be awarded directly to the youth sports organization, church, school, or park and recreation unless there is a special agreement with a PTO or PTA.

Who is KIDS in the GAME?

KIDS in the GAME is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on inspiring kids to thrive in life through sports and increased physical activity for kids. We provide financial assistance to help youth gain access to the various physical activity programs in the communities before, during and after school. We raise awareness of the importance of athletics in developing future leaders, with skills and values that transfer from the sports field into the classroom, workplace, family and community.