Buddy LeaderS

Peer support that helps every child feel confident, included, and supported on the field.

Buddy Leaders at Open Goal Soccer is a voluntary peer-support and leadership opportunity for youth in New York City, designed to strengthen inclusive, adaptive, and neurodiverse-friendly soccer experiences.

Buddy Leaders support athletes during training sessions by offering encouragement, gentle guidance, and positive peer connection in a safe, welcoming environment where every child can participate at their own pace.

Through presence, patience, and kindness, Buddy Leaders help athletes feel comfortable, confident, and engaged on the field. At the same time, Buddy Leaders develop empathy, responsibility, and leadership skills while giving back through meaningful community service in youth sports.

What Buddy Leaders Do

Buddy Leaders play a supportive, non-instructional role alongside Open Goal Soccer coaches. Responsibilities may include:

Guiding athletes through each training activity by staying alongside them
Encouraging participation through high-fives, clapping, cheering, and celebrating effort
Helping athletes transition between activities and stay engaged
Supporting participation at the athlete’s own pace
Creating moments of joy, confidence, and connection on and off the field

Whenever possible, Buddies are thoughtfully matched based on age, size, and developmental alignment to encourage common ground and the formation of lasting friendships.

Many Buddy Leaders are experienced youth who have previously participated in Open Goal Soccer programs and now give back by supporting other athletes. We also maintain a pool of trained Buddy Leaders ready to step in when additional support is needed.

Volunteer Leadership & Community Impact

Serving as a Buddy Leader is a meaningful way to give back to the community, support inclusive youth soccer in NYC, and make a genuine difference in another child’s life.

Buddy participation may be eligible to count toward voluntary community service hours for school, academy, or extracurricular applications (subject to the receiving institution’s requirements). Upon request, Open Goal Soccer may provide written verification of volunteer participation and hours served.

In addition to service hours, Buddy Leaders often gain:

Leadership and teamwork experience
Greater empathy and confidence
Meaningful peer connections and friendships

Buddy Leadership – Interest Form

Inclusive Youth Soccer Volunteer Opportunities | Open Goal Soccer

Important Information Before Submitting

This form is an expression of interest only and does not guarantee placement
Participation is voluntary and subject to program availability and approval
Buddy Leaders are not coaches, employees, medical providers, or therapists
Buddy participation does not replace parent/guardian responsibility or program supervision

Parent / Guardian

First name*

Last name

Email*

Phone*

Buddy Candidate Information

Youth Name *

Youth Age*

School Name (optional)

Interest & Motivation

What interests you about the Buddy Leadership Program?

What interests you most? (Select all that apply)

Building leadership skills

Supporting younger players

Community involvement / service hours

Learning responsibility and teamwork

Being part of an inclusive community

Exploring future coaching or mentoring

Availability

General availability

Weekends

Afternoons

Flexible / To be discussed

Participation Acknowledgment

Buddy Participation Acknowledgment*

I acknowledge and agree that participation in the Open Goal Soccer Buddy Leadership Program is voluntary and subject to availability and approval. I understand that Buddy Leaders serve in a supportive, non-instructional role and participate at their own discretion and risk.

Code of Conduct & Program Policies

Code of Conduct & Program Policies (Required)*

I agree to follow Open Goal Soccer’s Code of Conduct and understand that Open Goal Soccer is not responsible for personal belongings. I have reviewed, or agree to review, the full Buddy Leadership Policy, always available on our website footer.

Buddy Leadership Policy

Health & Support Information

Do you have any allergies, medical considerations, or support needs we should be aware of?*

Yes

Existing Connections

Is there a sibling, family member, or trusted friend already participating in an Open Goal Soccer program that you would like to be paired or connected with as a Buddy?*

Yes (please share their name below)