Soccer has been a lifelong love affair for Melanie Stafford.
Melanie Stafford
The executive director of the Nevada Youth Soccer Association started playing in that organization at age 4 with Grandma’s Tiny Tigers and, after experiencing success with club teams and at the high school level, eventually returned to the organization that first cultivated her passion for the sport.
“Aside from the health and fitness benefits of soccer, there are so many lessons that soccer can teach young kids,” she said. “Teamwork, work ethic and determination are all instilled in our players.”
Stafford chatted with Vegas Inc about the World Cup, the community and the business of youth sports.
What in your background prepared you for your role with NYSA?
My professional career started out in the health care side of sports, but I ended up transitioning to administration after receiving my masters in sports management from Long Beach State. I worked for a few different professional sports organizations in California, learning the ins and outs of sports as a business, and decided to move back to Nevada when I began working with NYSA.
Having a full running knowledge of the organization from the inside-out was immensely helpful, and my time working with professional sports teams paired with my education in sports management helped me take on the role of executive director. It was a full-circle moment to become a leader for the soccer association that I played for as a kid.
What are the challenges of operating a youth sports league that people in the general public might not understand?
As a nonprofit, we rely on a lot of individuals donating their time to better the association and experience for the players.
I can recall volunteering all the way back to high school and I try to give back whenever I have the opportunity. I am a firm believer that if you are not willing to do something, you shouldn’t ask others to do it. So when I ask for volunteers with the association, I understand what it means to dedicate time to something. The public might like to know about more opportunities to participate and give back, and we can always take on more volunteers.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing growth in our athletes is incredibly rewarding as a member of NYSA. Whether it’s their journey to scoring their first goal or finding a friend in a teammate, it really is all about the kids. It’s wonderful to see the next generation of players develop their skills and experience all the great moments soccer can provide.
What lifelong lessons can participation in youth sports teach that carry over to the business world when young athletes become adults and join the workforce or start their own small businesses?
Participation in youth sports can teach kids about perseverance, teamwork and work ethic—lessons that help you in any professional workplace. Youth sports offer a first opportunity to join in on a team effort and work with others toward a common goal.
What’s the biggest change that has been made or can be made to protect the health and safety of young athletes?
As a product of this association, I have been able to understand all of the work that goes into ensuring that soccer can happen in a positive and safe environment for everyone. Our athletes are our No. 1 priority. One of the biggest shifts in youth sports is putting mental health first. It’s important that we are providing our players, and their families, with all the resources we can to promote a safe, healthy and happy sporting environment.
What is the best business advice you’ve received, and whom did it come from?
“It’s about connections.” This is something I heard from multiple people, but felt its impact in practice while I was in graduate school. Connect with people on a personal level and you never know what will come of it.
Do you find that participation and interest in soccer increases in World Cup years?
There is a lot of passion for soccer in our community every year, but World Cup years are especially fun. World Cup years help us show our young players this sport can take them to one of the biggest stages in the world. It helps them visualize where big dreams can take them, so I think World Cup years inspire young players to dream even bigger.
What kind engagement do you have with the local business community?
We couldn’t do what we do without our great partners and sponsors. We always appreciate when local level businesses donate to our youth soccer scholarship funds or when employees take the time to participate as volunteers. We have found that Nevada businesses are very generous. We are also incredibly grateful to our relationship with the City of Las Vegas and Clark County. Their support for youth sports really expands our ability to provide the programming, trainings and games through us and our sanctioned leagues and tournaments.
Click HERE to subscribe for free to Vegas Inc’s BizClick newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest business news in Las Vegas sent directly to your inbox each Monday.
This story originally appeared in Las Vegas Weekly.
