The program builds on Player Pathway’s partnerships with Goal 13 and the High Point YWCA Latino Family Center, along with relationships across the business, education and nonprofit communities. Programming has included college readiness presentations with High Point University staff, financial education from Skyla Credit Union and mindfulness sessions led by local wellness professionals. Players have also taken part in community service opportunities, including roadside cleanups, holiday initiatives with 7Homes and projects with Cover the City Project. 

Carolina Core FC and Goal 13 will evaluate the program through enrollment and attendance records, mentoring participation, educational session completion, academic progress and participant and parent surveys. Surveys will assess growth in areas such as leadership, financial literacy, nutrition, executive functioning, goal setting and personal development. 

As participants get older, the program will also track college enrollment, scholarship opportunities and advancement into collegiate or professional soccer when applicable. A primary goal is for at least 80% of participants to demonstrate progress toward post-secondary education, career preparation or advanced athletic opportunities. 

Ultimately, the Player Pathway Initiative is about more than developing soccer players. It is about giving young people access to the education, resources, relationships and opportunities they need to become successful students, confident leaders and prepared adults.