Buddy Leadership Program Policy

Last Updated: 1/9/2026

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This page outlines the policies, roles, responsibilities, and participation guidelines for the Open Goal Soccer Buddy Leadership Program, a youth soccer volunteer initiative serving families in New York City.

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Buddy Leadership Program

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The Open Goal Soccer Buddy Leadership Program is a voluntary youth soccer buddy and leadership program in New York City, designed to support inclusive, adaptive, and neurodiverse-friendly soccer experiences. The program promotes confidence, connection, and enjoyment of the game while offering meaningful community service and youth volunteer opportunities in a safe, welcoming environment.

 

At Open Goal Soccer, we understand that the goal is to help each participating athlete feel comfortable, confident, and supported. When appropriate, having a familiar and trusted Buddy—such as a sibling, family member, or close friend—can help create a more positive, engaging, and fulfilling experience.

 

Many of our Buddy Leaders are experienced youth who have previously participated in Open Goal Soccer programs and have chosen to give back by supporting other athletes. These experienced Buddies help model positive behavior, patience, and encouragement in a way that feels natural and welcoming.

 

When making Buddy matches, we are thoughtful about age, size, and developmental alignment whenever possible. Pairing athletes with Buddies who are close in age and stature helps create common ground, shared interests, and mutual understanding, which can ignite meaningful connections and support the development of lasting friendships both on and off the field.

 

We also maintain a pool of trained Buddy Leaders who are ready to step in when additional support is needed, helping ensure continuity, flexibility, and a positive experience for all participants.

 

 

Buddy Role & Responsibilities

 

Buddy Leaders play a supportive, encouraging, and relationship-based role during sessions. Their primary responsibility is to help athletes feel comfortable, engaged, and included as they participate in activities led by Open Goal Soccer coaches.

 

Buddy responsibilities may include:

 

• Guiding athletes through each training activity or skill by staying alongside them, modeling participation, and offering simple encouragement

• Helping athletes transition between activities and stay oriented during sessions

• Encouraging participation through positive reinforcement, such as high-fives, clapping, cheering, smiling, and celebrating effort

• Supporting athletes at their own pace, recognizing that engagement may look different for each individual

• Helping create a fun, relaxed, and welcoming environment where athletes feel safe to try, explore, and enjoy the moment

• Building positive peer connection and shared experiences that support confidence and friendship

 

Buddy Leaders do not coach, instruct, discipline, or provide medical or therapeutic support. Coaches remain responsible for instruction, and Buddies support participation through presence, encouragement, and connection.

 

 

Voluntary Participation & Program Boundaries

 

By expressing interest in or participating as a Buddy Leader, you acknowledge and agree that:

 

• Participation is voluntary and not guaranteed, and placement is subject to program needs, availability, and appropriate matching

• Buddy Leaders are not employees, coaches, medical providers, or therapists, and do not provide medical, behavioral, or therapeutic services

• Buddy participation does not replace parent or guardian responsibility or Open Goal Soccer’s program supervision during sessions

• Program activities may involve light physical movement and interaction in an active sports environment, and some risk is inherent despite reasonable care and supervision

• Participation is undertaken at your own discretion and risk, and you agree to release and hold harmless Open Goal Soccer, its staff, coaches, volunteers, and affiliates from claims arising from the ordinary risks associated with voluntary participation, except where prohibited by law

• Open Goal Soccer is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen personal belongings

 

Families are encouraged to recommend trusted siblings, extended family members, or close friends to participate as Buddy Leaders when appropriate. All Buddy participants serve in the same supportive role and are subject to program approval to ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.

 

Open Goal Soccer reserves the right to modify or end a Buddy placement at any time if participation is no longer aligned with program values, safety expectations, or the needs of the athletes.

 

All Buddy participants are expected to follow Open Goal Soccer’s Code of Conduct, which emphasizes respectful behavior, appropriate boundaries, and positive participation.

 

 

Volunteer Leadership, Community Impact & Personal Growth

 

Serving as a Buddy Leader is a meaningful way to give back to the community, support inclusive youth sports, and make a genuine difference in a young athlete’s life. Buddy Leaders often develop empathy, patience, and leadership skills while forming lasting friendships and positive connections with athletes, families, and peers.

 

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

 

 

Health, Support & Communication

 

To help us provide the best possible experience, families are encouraged to share any allergies, medical considerations, or support needs relevant to participation.

 

 

Media & Program Storytelling

 

Open Goal Soccer may capture photographs or video during program activities for educational or promotional purposes, including websites and social media. Participation in media is never required, no compensation is provided, and consent may be withdrawn in writing for future use where reasonably possible.

 

 

Our Commitment

 

Open Goal Soccer is proud to offer inclusive youth soccer programs and volunteer leadership opportunities serving families across New York City, Queens, and Long Island City. Our Buddy Leadership Program reflects a shared commitment to respect, inclusion, safety, dignity, and positive participation. By taking part, families and volunteers help create a welcoming community where every athlete is valued, supported, and encouraged. ⚽💚