Innovative health partner delivers additional benefits to USYS members.
FRISCO, TX (October 22, 2021) – US Youth Soccer (USYS) is pleased to announce their partnership with
the U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport (USC-MHS) to provide unmatched and ongoing mental
health training, resources, support and benefits to their members.
USC-MHS is focused on making sport environments a place where all involved can experience support
for their mental health. Whether individuals' mental health is thriving or languishing, the USC-MHS has
developed resources, training and support to help make the sport environment inclusive and positive.
USC-MHS is led by founders Margaret Domka and Skye Arthur-Banning, PhD. who are mental health and
sport researchers and practitioners that have authored multiple publications on youth and amateur
sport. They have served as a former FIFA Women’s World Cup Referee and US Soccer National Referee.
With 30+ years each in amateur sport, they continue to serve as a current member of the Board of
Directors for the US Association for Blind Athletes; Referee Committee Member for USYS Midwest
Region; members of the USYS Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee; National Referee Coaches; and
active referees for youth, college, and a variety of disability soccer programs.
“This partnership will provide USYS with a singular mental health partner so that its members can access
the very best information and resources to improve, maintain and support their mental wellbeing,” said
Skip Gilbert, USYS CEO. “We are on a mission to provide world-class support, resources and leadership,
helping every member fulfill their goals on and off the field of play. USC-MHS gives USYS members
unmatched resources and benefits in a critical health care space.”
“US Youth Soccer is a leading youth sport organization that supports its members both on and off the
field of play. The USC-MHS extends that support into the area of mental health,” said Margaret Domka,
USC-MHS Executive Director. “We are excited to be a partner of USYS, with its vision and mission
focusing on the value of youth soccer well beyond how many goals were scored or who walked away
with a win. Participants experiencing optimal mental health is a win that USYS and USC-MHS can work
together to achieve.”
About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer)
US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sport organization in the country, is on a mission to provide world-
class support, resources and leadership, helping every member fulfill their goals, on and off the field of
play. US Youth Soccer registers nearly 3 million players annually. Through its programming, resources
and leadership, US Youth Soccer is advancing the game for its 54 Member State Associations, 10,000
clubs and leagues and nearly 1 million administrators, coaches and volunteers. US Youth Soccer
connects families and communities to the power of sports and its shared love of soccer. US Youth Soccer
provides a path for every player, offering programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for
players at every level of the game. We Are Youth Soccer. For more information, visit
www.usyouthsoccer.org.
About the U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport (USC-MHS)
The U.S. Center for Mental Health & Sport is a registered 501c3 organization developing sport
environments that allow for optimum mental wellness by providing mental health training and
resources, opening pathways to access additional mental health support services, and committing to the
advancement of mental health and sport research. We believe mental health falls along a continuum
and the mental health we experience can change throughout our lives. USC-MHS provides avenues to
establish a sport environment that is inclusive in supporting the mental health of all participants and
encouraging conversations about mental health. Mental Health Matters!
https://mentalhealthandsport.org/
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