Tim Ryerson, Executive Director of Ellicott City Soccer Club had a vision to create a program that removes the economic and transportation barriers that prevent some children from low-income Howard County families from participating in youth soccer. With the support of the community and donations, the vision came to life, and CiTY launched their Get On the Bus (GOTB) program in the Spring of 2018.
A day in the GOTB program runs as follows: at the end of the school day, GOTB players are met at their school by GOTB staff and given a healthy snack. Tutoring and homework help is available to all participants. Afterwards, they are transported by bus to fields to participate in a recreational program. The kids practice once a week and play in the recreational games on Saturdays.
At the end of the GOTB season, several program participants may be identified and placed on local travel teams at the club level in order to have the same opportunity to continue to participate at a higher level that others may have. Funded by charitable donations, the program provides full uniform kits, including jerseys, shorts, socks, cleats and a soccer ball, at no cost to players. All recreational program participation fees are waived for GOTB participants, resulting in a completely free program. To find out more about the GOTB MD program, contact Amanda Buckler at [email protected] Donation and sponsorship information can be found at www.gotbsoccer.org.