How To Join

Getting involved with Philadelphia Open Soccer is straightforward. The best first step is to reach out via email at phillyopensoccer@gmail.com and introduce yourself — tell us a bit about who you are, what you're passionate about, and how you'd like to contribute. The team responds to all genuine inquiries and will let you know about upcoming opportunities.

You can also connect with the organization through Facebook at the Philly Open Soccer page. Social media is a great way to stay updated on events, new programs, and volunteer opportunities as they arise. Following and engaging with the page is a quick way to become part of the community before you even set foot on the pitch.

Once you've made contact, the team will walk you through next steps based on the role you're interested in — whether that's coaching, administrative support, event help, or a professional service. There's no lengthy application or formal process; Philly Open Soccer prides itself on being welcoming and accessible.

Philadelphia Open Soccer is actively seeking several types of volunteers. Soccer coaches are always in high demand — whether you played at a competitive level or just have a solid understanding of the game and a passion for teaching young players, your skills are needed on the field.

Beyond coaching, the organization is looking for professionals who can contribute their expertise: legal experts to help navigate organizational and compliance issues, web designers to assist with the online presence, and student program evaluators to measure and improve program outcomes for participants. These roles are ideal for professionals who want to give back without necessarily being on the field.

Donors for special events are also critically needed. Special events — from tournaments to community celebrations — create unique opportunities to unite the wider Philadelphia community and raise the program's profile. Financial support for these events directly funds equipment, venue costs, and participant materials.

Formal coaching experience is helpful but not strictly required. What matters most is enthusiasm, a genuine passion for soccer, and a commitment to the program's values of fair play, teamwork, and inclusion. Many of the best youth coaches are people who simply love the game and love working with kids.

That said, some soccer knowledge is important for coaching roles, as you'll be responsible for running structured sessions and teaching participants skills appropriate to their age and level. If you're interested in coaching but uncertain about your qualifications, reach out and discuss your background with the team — they are happy to work with volunteers at various experience levels.

For non-coaching volunteer roles — legal support, web design, program evaluation, event planning, fundraising — soccer experience is irrelevant. What matters is your professional skills and your desire to contribute to a mission-driven community organization.

Philadelphia Open Soccer has famously simple requirements: you have to love Philly, and you have to love soccer. That's it. No experience requirements, no background in coaching, no specific demographic — just a genuine connection to the city and the sport.

This openness is central to the organization's identity. The manifesto that guides everything the program does is built on the premise that soccer is a universal language that transcends race, gender, religion, education, and status. The volunteer community that runs the program is a reflection of that same openness.

Of course, for specific roles — particularly working with children — standard child safety considerations apply. But the spirit of the organization is radically inclusive, and the team actively works to remove any barriers that might prevent someone from contributing their time and talent.

Every aspect of Philadelphia Open Soccer is powered by volunteers. Unlike many nonprofits with paid staff, the entire organization relies on people who give their time because they believe in the mission. Coaches run the weekly sessions. Organizers coordinate logistics with partner schools and centers. Professionals provide specialized services the organization needs to function effectively.

Volunteer contributions directly translate into program quality and reach. More coaches means more children served per session and smaller group sizes that allow for better individual attention. More administrative and professional support means the organization can spend less energy on overhead and more on delivering quality programs.

Every hour a volunteer contributes is an hour that goes directly toward giving Philadelphia's youth access to a sport, a community, and a set of values that can shape their lives. The organization deeply appreciates every form of support, no matter how large or small.

Absolutely. Financial donations are just as valuable as volunteered time, and in some cases they enable the program to do things that volunteers alone cannot. Equipment — balls, cones, goals, training vests — must be purchased. Special events require funding for venues, transportation, and materials. Partner school programs may need supplies for participants.

If you're interested in making a financial contribution, or if you represent a business or organization interested in sponsoring a specific event or program, please reach out at phillyopensoccer@gmail.com. The team can provide information about how funds will be used and work with you to find a contribution level that feels right.

Whether you give your time, your expertise, or financial resources, every form of support moves the organization closer to its goal: a stronger, more connected Philadelphia community, one soccer session at a time.