All-City Soccer NYC Has Solved the Challenges Created by America's Pay-to-Play Youth Soccer System

NEW YORK, NY - June 19, 2025 - All City Soccer NYC is addressing a critical gap in American soccer development through its innovative program that challenges the traditional pay-to-play model that has historically limited the U.S. national talent pool.

Founded by Terry Nelson, a former elite-level player with championship victories including the North American Youth U16 Championship, U19 McGuire Cup, and an NCAA Final Four appearance with the UNC Tarheels, All City Soccer NYC aims to democratize access to high-quality soccer training for youth across New York City.

"It's simple. In the United States, a young player's passion and ability do not determine their potential to become an elite player; money does," says Nelson. "If the United States wants to compete and win the World Cup, it needs a larger pool of elite players - not only those who can afford pay-to-play systems."

Through a partnership with youth nonprofit Global Artists Coalition, All City Soccer NYC is creating opportunities for talented young players from all socioeconomic backgrounds to train with elite coaches at locations including Harlem Academy and Riverbank State Park.

Addressing the Diversity Gap in American Soccer
Despite soccer's global reputation as one of the world's most democratic games, played on streets and in alleys worldwide, the sport has struggled to gain traction in African-American communities in inner cities across America.

"A kid playing basketball and American football can see a chance to play in college or become a professional. They can see a path through," explains Nelson. "But in soccer, that pathway isn't visible to many young people in the city, particularly those from underserved communities."

All City Soccer NYC's curriculum-based approach focuses on ball mastery, soccer IQ, and life skills training that helps players succeed both on and off the field. The program's fun-based, evidence-driven training methods are designed to keep young players engaged while developing elite-level skills.

Public Clinics and Scholarship Opportunities
All City Soccer NYC will host public clinics at Riverbank State Park from June 28th to August 23rd. These sessions serve as lessons for beginners and intermediate players, and as a tryout for scholarships to the All-City Soccer NYC Academy. These scholarships provide talented youth with an opportunity to access high-quality coaching regardless of financial means.
"We call it All-City Soccer because every New York City kid from age 3 to 13 gets to play, have fun, and learn," says Nelson. "We see firsthand the positive impact proper instruction and mentorship have on communities with limited access."
https://allcitysoccer.org/

All-City Soccer New York City
620 West 147th Street, NY, NY 10031
Press contact: Terry Nelson
347 691-7822
terry@allcitysoccer.org

About All City Soccer NYC:
All City Soccer NYC provides curriculum-based soccer training focused on developing elite players from diverse backgrounds across New York City. Founded by former championship player Terry Nelson, the program partners with the Global Artists Coalition to offer scholarship opportunities and remove financial barriers to high-quality soccer development.

This release was published on openPR.