This critical civic engagement project helps address a barrier immigrant families face, particularly Spanish-speaking families from the global South, face in participating in a children’s community sports program. The Amherst Youth Soccer Association’s mission is to provide inclusive soccer programs for children in the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District. However, systemic barriers—such as language differences, economic hardship, and limited outreach—prevent many immigrant families from fully participating. This project explores the connections between these barriers, the broader structural inequalities they reflect, and AYSA’s role in fostering a more inclusive community.

The project involves translating the AYSA website into Spanish to ensure Spanish-
speaking families can easily access essential program information, register their children, and feel welcomed within the organization. This initiative addresses a critical gap in accessibility while also serving as a model for other community programs seeking to engage immigrant populations more effectively. Beyond translation, the project applies civic engagement principles to explore how AYSA can transition from a traditional service model to one that actively empowers immigrant families. Proposed solutions include enhancing outreach through schools and community organizations, developing bilingual resources, and involving Spanish-speaking families in decision-making processes.