Hargis Engineers and Washington Youth Soccer are realizing a shared dream: to remove financial barriers through the Path to Pitch scholarship and open more doors for youth to play, grow, and lead.
Raising over $75,000, the partnership expanded Washington Youth Soccer’s ability to reach student athletes and extend the lifelong benefits of sport far beyond the field.
Now, the mission continues through donations, mentorship, and hands-on support for the youth of today who will become the leaders of tomorrow.
Beyond the Game
The benefits of sports live on long after the final whistle.
Youth soccer teaches persistence, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. These are the same qualities that help young people succeed in school, in careers, and in their communities. Supporting this scholarship is an investment in both access today and leadership tomorrow.
More ways to support youth soccer
Keep the legacy going
Financial support is powerful, but it is only one way to make a difference. Individuals, companies, and community partners can help expand access to youth soccer through time, advocacy, and shared resources.
Scholarship Application
Ready to apply? The link below will open a new window.
Give
Make a direct contribution to the scholarship fund and help more families access the game.
Get Involved
Looking for volunteer opportunities or interested in working with Washington Youth Soccer as a business or community organization?
Learn about the Scholarship – see if you can apply!
Who funding is for:
Youth aged 5-18 during their first two years of playing recreational soccer who have a demonstrated need for financial assistance. We are not able to fund select or premiere level play at this time. Please check with your club for additional financial assistance opportunities at those levels.
What is covered:
Recreational soccer program registration fees
When to apply:
The scholarship application window aligns with most recreational enrollment windows.
- Spring programs: December 1 – April 1
- Fall programs: June 1 – September 1
The Path To Pitch Scholarship fund is designed to support youth aged 5-18 who are within their first two years of playing a recreational program. We believe that youth should be able to experience a variety of sports and we don’t want cost to be a deterring factor to see if soccer is the sport for you!
Eligible applicants should have a demonstrated need for financial assistance and should know what organization they would like to join (it does not need to be the same organization for each application). Scholarship funding can be applied for up to four times within two years of the first entry into organized soccer.
For example: Sign up and play fall of one year (scholarship funded the first time), play a different sport in spring, sign up for fall programming again the next year (scholarship funded the second time), and play soccer again in the spring (scholarship funded a third time). No additional scholarship funding would be available after that because the first time has been more than two years.
Applications are open twice a year to align with spring and fall program start dates, with participants being notified no less than two weeks following the last date in the application window so that families can participate in programs during those seasons.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Funding goes to youth, ages 5-18, within their first two years of playing organized soccer.
Families may apply directly. Clubs/coaches can direct a family to the application process and assist in applying, but the application needs to be directly from the family.
When are applications accepted?
The application window is open twice a year, to align with registration for most Spring and Fall programming registrations:
- Spring: December 1 – April 1
- Fall: June 1 – September 1
Funding decisions will be made no later than two weeks after the application deadline. Applicants will be notified via email.
How do I apply?
All applications are submitted online only through the WYSF application portal.
Applicants must complete the full application, including submitting proof of qualification for free/reduced school lunch or other food assistance program.
What costs are covered?
Funds are currently directed to recreational/entry level programming with the intent to expand to more competitive programs in the coming years as funding increases.
Funding can be used for any recreational level program, including but not limited to Washington Youth Soccer clubs, non-WYS clubs, community organization clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA programs, etc.
Funds distributed may not be more than the program registration fee.
Currently, the following costs are not covered:
- Uniforms
- Equipment including cleats, shin guards, etc.
- Travel fees
- Private coaching/training fees
You may request less than the full registration fee if you only need help with a portion of the cost – this option helps us get more kids in the game!
How are funds distributed?
Upon scholarship approval, a WYSF representative will work directly with the organization the child is registering with to get funds transferred and make sure the enrollment is complete.
Please be sure to provide the correct contact information/email/phone for the organization you wish to register with. Organizations must be within the bounds of Washington State.
What if I have more than one child? Can I apply for multiple youth?
Families may request funding for more than one child in their family. Let us know how many children and the cost per child’s registration fee. In order to get as many kids from as many families playing as possible, we may cover a portion of fees and ask families to cover the remaining gap.