Philadelphia Open Soccer

Philadelphia Open Soccer (also known as Philly Open Soccer) is a community-driven youth soccer program operating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded by a passionate group of volunteers, the program uses the power of soccer to unite people across different races, genders, religions, education levels, and backgrounds.

The organization facilitates weekly after-school soccer programs and annual special events at elementary schools and recreation centers across the city. By making soccer accessible to all children regardless of background, Philly Open Soccer helps young Philadelphians develop not just athletic skills, but the core life values of fair play, teamwork, leadership, and discipline.

The program operates in partnership with Penn's Netter Center for Community Partnerships and other local organizations, ensuring that every child has a supportive environment in which to grow both on and off the field.

Philadelphia Open Soccer is truly open to everyone. The program welcomes participants of any race, gender, status, religion, education, language, or other identity. There are no tryouts, no experience requirements, and no barriers to participation — the program is designed from the ground up to be inclusive.

The youth programs serve students at partner schools and recreation centers in Philadelphia. Adults who love the sport and the city are also welcome to get involved as coaches, mentors, and volunteers. Whether you're a seasoned soccer player or someone who simply loves the game, there's a place for you in the Philly Open Soccer community.

The only real requirements to join the volunteer team are a love for Philadelphia and a love for soccer. If you have those two things, the organization wants to hear from you.

Soccer is one of the world's most universal languages — played in virtually every country and understood across cultural barriers. Philadelphia Open Soccer harnesses this universal appeal deliberately, using structured programs to bring together children from diverse neighborhoods, schools, and backgrounds who might otherwise never meet.

On the pitch, participants practice values that translate directly into community life: fair play teaches respect for others; teamwork shows the power of collective effort over individual glory; leadership develops responsibility and decision-making skills; and discipline demonstrates that consistent effort — not just talent — determines outcomes.

Beyond the technical and social skills developed during matches, the program creates shared experiences and lasting friendships. When children play together, they learn to see past surface differences and connect on a human level. This is at the heart of the Open Soccer Manifesto: soccer as a force to build bridges among people in Philadelphia and beyond.

Philadelphia Open Soccer has partnered with multiple schools and community organizations across the city to deliver weekly after-school programs. Key partners have included Benjamin B. Comegys School, Henry C. Lea School, and Mitchell Elementary School — all in partnership with Penn's Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania.

The program also operates at Max Myers Recreation Center in partnership with HIAS Pennsylvania, extending access to youth programs beyond the school setting. This multi-site approach allows Philly Open Soccer to serve children from different neighborhoods and demographics throughout Philadelphia.

If you represent a school, recreation center, or community organization interested in hosting a program, we encourage you to reach out. The team is always looking for new partnership opportunities that align with the program's mission of building an open and inclusive soccer community.

There are several meaningful ways to support Philly Open Soccer. The most immediate is by volunteering your time and skills. The organization is actively seeking soccer coaches, legal experts, web designers, student program evaluators, and donors for special events. No contribution is too small — every hour of coaching and every dollar donated has a direct impact on the children in the program.

Financial support is equally important. Donations help fund equipment, event costs, and program materials, ensuring that every session is well-resourced and every participant has what they need. Special events — which bring communities together and celebrate the program's impact — rely heavily on donor support.

Spreading the word also matters enormously. If you know potential volunteers, partner organizations, or families who could benefit from the program, sharing information about Philadelphia Open Soccer helps build the community that makes it work. You can contact the team at phillyopensoccer@gmail.com to discuss how you can contribute.

Philadelphia Open Soccer is an independent community organization, not affiliated with any professional soccer club or governing body. It was founded and is operated by volunteers who are passionate about both soccer and the Philadelphia community. This independence allows the program to stay focused entirely on its core mission: using soccer to build an inclusive, open community.

The program does maintain meaningful partnerships with local institutions, most notably Penn's Netter Center for Community Partnerships at the University of Pennsylvania, and HIAS Pennsylvania. These partnerships provide resources, venues, and additional support that help the program serve more children and families.

While the organization welcomes support from all corners of the soccer world, its heart is firmly rooted in the Philadelphia community. All decisions are made with the best interests of the program participants in mind, and the volunteer-driven culture ensures that the program remains authentic and community-focused.