Changing the Game: Local Parents Launch New Scottsdale Recreational Soccer League

Addressing the Need for a Non-Coed, Competitive and Affordable Experience for Scottsdale Youth

Nexus Youth Soccer League Launches in Scottsdale

Nexus Youth Soccer League (NYSL), started by Scottsdale parents Kenna and RJ Watters, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new, non-coed, next-level recreational youth soccer league specifically designed for multi-sport girls and boys in grades 3-8. 

Nexus Youth Soccer League aims to bridge the opportunity gap between recreational and club soccer programs, providing a competitive and enjoyable environment without the high costs and time commitments typically associated with club soccer. 

League owners Kenna and RJ were inspired to start this league because of their experience with coaching multiple teams in another kids soccer league over the last couple years. “As our daughter approached the age of 10, we realized that there just weren’t many opportunities for her to continue playing soccer recreationally in our area, and almost nothing that is not co-ed. As coaches, we have seen how these co-ed teams with just one or two girls are such an intimidating environment for them. So they end up not playing to their full potential because they’re simply outnumbered. We wanted more for our daughter and we know there are so many more female athletes out there, too, who want to play and learn in a positive, encouraging environment, giving them the space to hone their skills, build relationships, and grow their love of the game,” says Kenna.

The statistics back up their experience. According to a 2017 study by the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14 and found that 38% of girls aged 7-17 who had left sports cited "I wasn't having fun" as a key reason for quitting. The Watterses believe that their program will bring that fun back into youth soccer while also creating an environment that is competitive by encouraging the players to commit to learning the sport at a deeper level than traditional recreational soccer programs.

With one practice per week and one game every Saturday, this Scottsdale youth soccer league ensures a balanced approach that fits into busy family schedules. “Kenna and I both were multi-sport athletes growing up. We know that every activity or sport a kid does throughout their childhood contributes to developing a multi-faceted character with all these different experiences and memories,” says RJ.

Registration for the NYSL fall soccer league serving the Scottsdale, Arcadia, and Biltmore area is now open through Aug. 31, 2024. Parents and players interested in participating can visit www.nexusysl.com to register and get more information about Nexus Youth Soccer League.

About Nexus Youth Soccer League:

Nexus Youth Soccer League (NYSL) is a non-coed, competitive recreational soccer league in Scottsdale designed for boys and girls in grades 3-8 who are passionate about  playing soccer.

Source: Nexus Youth Soccer League

About Nexus Youth Soccer League

A non-coed, next-level recreational soccer league for boys and girls in grades 3-8. Nexus Youth Soccer League is a competitive recreational soccer program designed for athletes who love the sport and want to continue evolving their skills but aren’t ready or willing to commit to the time or financial requirements that come along with joining a club soccer program. Players practice just once a week and there is one game on a Saturday at a single convenient centrally-located field with a two-day tournament at the end of the 9-week season.

Nexus Youth Soccer League

Scottsdale, AZ

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