The youth soccer landscape in the United States and, by extension in the Dayton region, is dominated by a pay-to-play model that makes the sport too expensive for many families. Even in the youngest age groups, competitive club soccer can cost $500 to $1000 or more per year. Therefore, access to the higher levels of competitive soccer has long been the purview of families with the financial means to be involved. An additional byproduct of this model is that most clubs are located in affluent areas, usually quite far from the urban core — a soccer desert of sorts.

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In late 2019, a group of volunteer organizers developed a vision for a new model that would create access to competitive soccer — financially and geographically — for all families. With the support of sponsors, participation fees would be significantly subsidized. A partnership with a local organization that already serves the urban core with athletic facilities was also a key component. Finally, the participation of passionate volunteers at all levels, from administrators to coaches to trainers, was also an integral component.