Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League Partners WithThe Sideline Project To Launch New Parent Education Program
The Cosmopolitan Junior Soccer League (CJSL) is taking a bold step toward improving the game-day experience for young athletes by launching a partnership with The Sideline Project, a national movement dedicated to fostering a more positive and supportive soccer environment. Starting in Spring 2025, all parents of players in CJSL’s 4v4 competitions will be required to complete The Sideline Project Course, a 15-minute interactive course designed to educate parents on proper sideline behavior.
The Sideline Project’s initiative to Inspire Players by Empowering Parents aligns with the CJSL’s belief that parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s love for the game. This course will help them better understand how their sideline behavior can impact a young player’s development and also reinforce the importance of collaboration between parents, coaches, clubs, and players in creating a supportive soccer environment.
At the conclusion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and be invited to add their name to The Sideline Project’s Virtual Pledge Wall, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a positive experience for all players.
“The investment the CJSL is making towards positively affecting the lives of soccer players, families, and dedicated coaches is commendable. We are proud to collaborate with the CJSL and are encouraged by their commitment to improving the youth sports landscape,” said Skye Eddy, Founder of The Sideline Project.
As the oldest and longest-running youth soccer league recognized by U.S. Soccer, CJSL has long been a leader in youth soccer development. With over 25,000 players and 120 clubs representing diverse communities across New York City, CJSL is more than just a league—it is a platform for soccer clubs to help young athletes to grow, develop life skills, and establish lifelong healthy habits.
“This initiative lays the foundation for future generations of soccer players by engaging the parents of our youngest athletes,” said Paul Kontonis, President of the CJSL. “Player development starts with a positive and supportive game-day environment, and the CJSL is committed to fostering that culture through its competitions and member clubs.”
“Our commitment is to provide the best possible playing environment for our athletes so they can maximize their development,” said Dimitrie Draguca, League Director of the CJSL. “By implementing this mandatory parent education program, we are ensuring that our players receive the support they need to thrive on and off the field.”
The CJSL Sideline Project Course will officially launch for the Spring 2025 season. Parents will receive direct communication from their respective clubs with access to the course and instructions for completion.
