DETAILS

Founded in 2016, the Boston Youth Soccer Summit is an annual event to unite the local soccer community. The event brings together recreational, competitive, colleges, and school based youth soccer programs. The 2026 Boston Youth Soccer Summit, hosted by Soccer Unity Project, will center on one urgent question: how do we expand access to the game for girls—and ensure they stay in it. This year’s summit will explore proven strategies for recruiting and retaining girls across all ages and backgrounds, while addressing the social, financial, and cultural barriers that too often push them out of sport. Participants will hear from organizations that are leading the way in inclusive girls programming, alongside powerful firsthand stories from players and moms reflecting on their own journeys—the choices they made, the obstacles they faced, and what helped them persist. A keynote will ground the day in inspiration and urgency, while panels and breakouts will focus on practical, scalable solutions communities can implement now. Together, the summit will elevate voices, share best practices, and spark collaboration to ensure more girls not only enter the game, but thrive in it. Event Info & Schedule of Events: Event MC: Jennifer Peñate, Weekend Evening Anchor & General Assignment Reporter, WCVB 9:00a | Welcome Address “Why Girls in the Game Matters” 9:15a | Panel 1 - Perspectives of Moms & Daughters - Positive Impacts of Soccer 10:30a | Fireside Chat with Game Changer Nina Mathelus, powered by Boston Dream 11:15a | Break Out Session & Lunch 12:45p | Panel 2 - Cross Sport Success with Girls Programs 1:40p | Break Out Session 2:30p | Closing & Networking with Boston Legacy FC 3:00 pm | Post Event USWNT v Colombia Watch Party @ Tony C’s, Assembly Row