Overview
In a vibrant city like New Orleans, where culture and diversity flourish, accessible and inclusive youth sports programs are essential. The 18th Ward, a nonprofit founded in 2019, recognized this need and partnered with MLS GO to expand soccer opportunities for youth in the community.
Starting with just 40 kids, the 18th Ward now serves over 6,000 youth across 17 wards, aiming to reach at least 10,000 by 2025. Through this collaboration, the 18th Ward has introduced MLS GO, Jr. NBA Leagues, NFL FLAG, and other multisport programs, all while focusing on workforce development to provide young people with valuable skills and experiences.
This case study explores the journey and impact of this transformative partnership.
The Challenge
Before the 18th Ward was established, many families in New Orleans found it challenging to access youth sports programs that were both affordable and inclusive. Existing programs often came with high costs or lacked the community-driven approach that parents desired. The 18th Ward was born out of a genuine need to offer high-quality and accessible sports programs to all children—no matter their background.
The Solution
MLS GO’s mission is to provide accessible, inclusive, and affordable soccer programs perfectly aligned with the goals of the 18th Ward. This partnership introduced MLS-branded soccer leagues and combined them with other multisport opportunities—all backed by respected professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, and USTA.
In just five years, the growth has been remarkable— MLS GO increased fivefold, Jr. NBA Leagues grew fourfold, and NFL FLAG expanded sevenfold from fall to spring. These programs gave kids a place to play while helping them build confidence along the way.
Workforce Development and Community Impact
A key element of the 18th Ward’s impact is their workforce development program. By including young people aged 14-24 in their program pipeline, the 18th Ward has established a continuous development path that begins with essential life skills and leads to workforce readiness. This initiative has provided over 450 young people with jobs, equipping them with skills and experiences that will benefit them in any career path they choose.
Coaches in the program earn between $15 and $25 per hour while gaining valuable management and leadership experience. The program is thoughtfully structured into three phases: Coaches in Training, Leadership Development, and Career Readiness, each offering increasing levels of responsibility and opportunities for professional growth.
Promoting Equity: She’s Got Game
The 18th Ward is deeply committed to gender equity in sports through their "She’s Got Game" initiative, which aligns with MLS GO's efforts to increase female participation in soccer and provides more opportunities for girls to get involved and excel.
Research shows that girls are six times more likely than boys to drop out of sports by age 14. To combat this, the 18th Ward has successfully doubled the number of girls participating in their leagues from winter to spring, creating an environment where girls can thrive and receive the same encouragement and support as boys.
Future Goals and Vision
Looking ahead, the 18th Ward has ambitious plans for 2024-2025. Their goals include creating 10,000 more youth opportunities, expanding gender equity through the She’s Got Game initiative, generating 600 additional jobs to enhance economic mobility, and providing 400,000 more hours of exercise to improve public health.
Conclusion
The partnership between the 18th Ward and MLS GO is a powerful example of how community-driven sports programs can build stronger communities, promote equity, and empower the next generation. Through accessible, high-quality sports opportunities and a robust workforce development program, the 18th Ward has transformed youth engagement in New Orleans and set a blueprint for using sports as a catalyst for social change. As they look to the future, the 18th Ward remains dedicated to their vision of an equitable New Orleans where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
