It’s an investment in the people those young athletes will become.
Before the first whistle echoed across the fields at Orlando City Soccer School – Millenia, children raced toward soccer balls with anticipation, parents gathered along the sidelines with cameras in hand, and youth coaches assembled nearby — not to discuss formations or tactics, but to explore a different kind of game plan: how to inspire better the young people they lead.
On Sunday morning, soccer became more than a sport. It became a catalyst for confidence, character, and community.
The New York Life Assist Soccer Clinic, the first of four clinics taking place nationwide, brought together young athletes, families and coaches in Orlando for a day focused on skill development and positive youth development. Additional clinics are scheduled in Houston, Las Vegas and Somerset, New Jersey. Produced by Horizon Sports & Experiences, the initiative paired an on-field clinic for children ages 6 to 14 with a Positive Coaching Alliance workshop designed to provide coaches with practical tools to build confidence, resilience and belonging through sport.
The two programs unfolded simultaneously.
While players rotated through stations focused on passing, dribbling, shooting and teamwork, coaches from multiple youth sports discussed how leadership, communication and encouragement can shape a young athlete’s development long after the final whistle.
For Jessica Perez, Trainer Coordinator with Positive Coaching Alliance, those lessons reflect a lifetime dedicated to athletics. A former three-sport athlete, collegiate softball player, physical education teacher, athletic director and state championship coach, Perez has experienced the influence of coaching from nearly every perspective. “Great coaching isn’t about creating better athletes; it’s about developing better people through sport,” Perez said. “Every practice and every conversation is an opportunity to build confidence, resilience, character and a sense of belonging. Athletes may forget the score, but they’ll never forget how a coach made them feel.”
Perez encouraged coaches to broaden their definition of success. “Winning is important, but it isn’t the only thing that matters,” she said. “The bigger picture is developing young leaders, better teammates and resilient young people. The best part is that when coaches lean in and focus on people first, performance actually improves.”
She also emphasized the importance of collaboration among organizations committed to youth development. “It’s all about common language,” Perez said. “When organizations come together around a shared purpose, people leave more aligned than when they arrived. That’s where culture is nurtured and a more positive sports experience is built.”
That collaborative spirit extended beyond the field.
Families from across Central Florida attended after learning about the clinic through local recreation centers, community organizations and neighborhood partnerships, demonstrating how trusted community connections can expand access to meaningful youth opportunities.
Among the participants was Chantal Madhoo, whose son has played competitive soccer for several years. “When I learned about the New York Life Assist Soccer Clinic, I saw it as a great opportunity for my son to continue developing his skills while learning from experienced coaches in a positive environment,” Madhoo said. “It was also a wonderful chance to become more involved with the local soccer community.”
Her husband, Jathniel Solomon, said opportunities like the Assist Clinic provide lessons that extend well beyond athletics. “Sports help young people develop discipline, responsibility and perseverance while building confidence and strong character,” Solomon said. “Events like this strengthen communities by bringing families, coaches and organizations together.”
The young athletes also recognized the impact. Thirteen-year-old Gabriel Sargeant said the shooting drills were one of his favorite parts of the clinic. “The coaches helped me improve the soccer skills I’ve developed over time and gave me more confidence,” Gabriel said.
For 12-year-old Ja’Nai Solomon, who primarily plays baseball, the clinic provided lessons that extended beyond soccer. “I learned that you have to believe in yourself and stay focused,” Ja’Nai said. “The coaches also taught us that teamwork is what helps you succeed because you can’t focus only on yourself.”
Throughout the clinic, some of the most meaningful moments carried more weight than any statistic: a young player trying again after a missed attempt, teammates encouraging one another, coaches celebrating effort and parents watching confidence grow.
Those moments represent the lasting value of youth sports. They live in the athlete who rises after a mistake. In the coach who meets every challenge with encouragement. In the family discovering new opportunities through community connection.And in partnerships built around a shared belief that every young person deserves to feel supported, valued, and capable.
When the final drills ended and families headed home, the goals and passing exercises were complete.
The impact was beginning. The true measure of a sports experience lives in what young people carry with them long after they leave the field.
More than a game, it was an investment in the people those young athletes will become.
