Who We Are
MidWay Play is a California nonprofit youth sports organization based in Carlsbad. We exist for middle-school-aged kids who have outgrown typical recreation leagues but are not looking for the cost, travel, and year-round commitment of full competitive club.
We build affordable, local leagues with licensed or screened coaches, a planned development curriculum, character-first coaching, and equal playing time. Soccer is our first program — the North County Youth Soccer League (NCYSL) — and the same model is designed to grow into other youth sports over time.
We are a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation and an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations to MidWay Play are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Our Story
After several years of participating in recreational soccer leagues, myself and my wife noticed that our daughters were progressing beyond the recreational soccer level.
Having been fully employed in the youth sports (soccer) industry for over 15 years, I was very weary about competitive sports programs but, despite these reservations, decided to tryout for competitive. Both daughters were offered a spot but when we looked at the price and commitment we just couldn’t justify it. Our kids had other interests asides from soccer and we didn’t want to give up the majority of our weekends to travel long distances for games. We were stuck in that in-between void, with nowhere to go.
Discussion with parents in a similar position made it all too clear that we were not alone. These parents were yearning for something higher level, more organized, and with more of a development plan than recreational soccer, yet, were weary of the massive commitment and cost of competitive soccer.
With this realization, the motivation to create ‘MidWay Play’ was born.
The MidWay Play model is applicable to not only youth soccer but across many different types of youth sports.
Our Mission
To promote youth development, physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and amateur sports participation through accessible leagues, clinics, training, and scholarships for low-income families.
How We Play
Every MidWay Play program is built around four promises:
LEVEL
A step above rec: more organized, more competitive, licensed or
screened coaches, and a planned curriculum. Not full club.
CONVENIENCE
Play for your city. Practice close to home. Away games kept local — about 20 miles max — with a balanced family-friendly schedule.
COST
A fraction of competitive club. Uniforms included where advertised. Payment plans and financial aid when funding allows.
DEVELOPMENT
Character first. Technical focus. Kids are encouraged to take risks. Equal playing time is a program principle, not a slogan.
Who We Serve
- Middle-school-aged players who want real development without a club lifestyle
- Families in North County San Diego and nearby communities who want to play close to home
- Kids preparing for high-school sports who still need room for school, other activities, and family time
- Households that need payment plans or scholarship support to keep a child on the field
- Coaches, referees, and volunteers who want to teach the game the right way.
The space between rec and club — built for local families.
