The realities of competitive soccer in the Fresno area and throughout the nation dictate that the success of young soccer players and their development into seasoned athletes is tied to more than just ability and hard work. Competitive soccer costs a lot between registration fees, equipment, and travel expenses. Many highly talented soccer players, with promising athletic futures, are left behind because of financial limitations.
Level the Playing Field is a non profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping some of those talented young soccer players achieve their potential by raising funds and providing grants that bridge that financial gap, helping pay for some of the fees and equipment. In addition to fundraising, our youth board consists of youth soccer players and fans, where we provide training in leadership skills, fundraising, education and advocacy in clean air, nutrition, and parks for all.
Our Beginning
My name is Matin and the story of this organization is tied to my experience as a youth soccer player. I have played soccer since I was six years old. I started liking this awesome game from that young age because my father was also a soccer player. I still remember sitting next to him watching the 2014 World Cup and the amazing skills of players like Messi, Neymar, and Ronaldo, while cheering for Team USA led by Clint “Deuce” Dempsey and goalkeeper Tim Howard. A couple of years later, I was playing competitive soccer and learning the game at a higher level than previously. But, at the beginning of my U-11 season, we ended up with a smaller roster. One of the reasons was that some talented kids could not afford to pay the high cost of competitive club soccer. My parents had talked to me about this problem before. Now, I wanted to do something about it. After much thought, I realized that it was a good idea to start an organization that would raise funds and provide scholarships to young athletes that have the skills to play competitive soccer club but need financial assistance. That’s how Level the Playing Field was born.
“Over the years, playing soccer has given me fun, fitness, friendships and helped me relieve stress.”
— Matin, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT OF THE youth board
Our Mission
We believe that financial limitations should not be an impediment to achieving greatness in athletic activity. We seek to provide scholarships to uniquely talented youth soccer players in Fresno and surrounding areas, who might be held back by their financial situation, with an opportunity to play competitive soccer.
$1800.00
the minimum annual cost to play year-long competitive youth soccer in the Valley.
36.5%
of kids in the Central Valley live at or below the poverty level.
$37,300.00
raised so far to support youth soccer players in the Valley.
Get Involved
Whether you identify as a team player, fan or sponsor we can’t wait to hear from you. Youth board members can earn community service credits for school in addition to receiving training in leadership and advocacy. Donations are vital for our scholarship program. Applications to apply for scholarships will open in Spring 2020.