Youth Soccer Players Urged to Share Their Experiences in Groundbreaking State of Soccer Survey
The Aspen Institute’s Project Play initiative, in partnership with the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, is inviting youth soccer players across New York City and Northern New Jersey to share their experiences through the State of Soccer Youth Survey. The responses will directly inform the State of Soccer NYC/NJ report, to be released in 2026, which aims to improve access to quality, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate soccer for all youth in the region.
The online survey is open to young people ages 8–18 (grades 3–12) who play soccer. It is anonymous, available in English and Spanish, and centers the voices of children—offering them the opportunity to shape the future of the game in their communities.
Why This Survey Matters
“Youth voices are essential to shaping a soccer system that works for everyone and not just those that can afford to pay-to-play,” says Paul Kontonis, President of the CJSL. “This is about listening to what matters most to kids who play the game.”
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is encouraging all member clubs to distribute the survey widely. As the oldest youth soccer league in New York City, CJSL remains committed to supporting pathways that allow players from all backgrounds to grow, compete, and thrive.
Survey Link: rezed.io/1PM7QB
About Project Play
Founded in 2013 by the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, Project Play is a national initiative that brings together leaders across the youth and school sports landscape to build healthy communities through sport. It addresses growing concerns from parents and educators about a youth sports model that has become expensive, exclusive, and less focused on fun and development.
Through original research, thought leadership, and tools like the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, Project Play helps communities design systems-level solutions that expand access and improve the quality of sport experiences for all children. Its annual Project Play Summit has become the country’s leading convening of youth sports leaders, and its resources—like the Parent Checklists and Teamwork Toolkit—support programs nationwide.
Today, Project Play connects a network of more than 20,000 leaders committed to reimagining youth sports. The State of Soccer NYC/NJ initiative is the latest example of how listening to kids can drive meaningful change in the way sports are delivered—and who gets to play.
CJSL is proud to support this effort and encourages all member clubs to share the survey and ensure their players’ voices are heard.
Let’s shape the future of soccer together.
