Sparkes has fond memories of playing street soccer growing up in his neighborhood in Kingston, Jamaica.  “I had such a beautiful childhood,” said Sparkes, “I wanted to create the same thing here.” He envisioned creating an opportunity to share his skills and talents as a player as well as a vehicle for building community.

After watching the 2006 World Cup in Germany on a long flight back to California, he decided to do it.

Getting Started

Sparkes noted that fees for participation in local soccer clubs is prohibitive for many families and access to experienced coaches is limited.  He started by enlisting help from his fellow adult league players to set up a free soccer camp for local area youth from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. He quickly got a group behind the idea and they began at a grassroots community level, raising money through t-shirt and hat sales as well as pledging their time as volunteer coaches. 

The first soccer camp took place in summer 2008, MYS became a registered 501(c)3 in November 2008 and has since earned an East Bay Express Best of the Bay award 2010 and the Oakland Innovator’s Award 2011. 

MYS, with help from the community and local sponsors, has provided free soccer camps to more than 400 children since 2008 with experienced and talented players and coaches.  In 2011, after receiving the Oakland Innovator’s Award, MYS “popped up” in schools across Oakland, California, and provided free mini camps for over 60 children and its first paid internship opportunity for mentors.  It has since garnered attention from community groups and was featured on KRON's Bay Area Proud in 2015.

For camp applications and more information, go to the complete website at www.myyutesoccer.org.