Bay FC and Sutter Health have expanded their “B You” initiative, aiming to empower girls and women in sports while addressing barriers that limit participation. The organizations marked the initiative’s second year with a Youth Soccer Jamboree at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley’s Alviso Clubhouse in San Jose. More than 200 female athletes between ages 8 and 14 attended, taking part in soccer skills training, health education sessions with Sutter Health clinicians, and drills led by Bay FC players Brooklyn Courtnall, Leah Freeman, Caroline Conti, and Melissa Lowder.
The “B You” program focuses on promoting sports participation among girls by offering mental health support, injury prevention resources, education on girls’ health, and fostering body positivity. The initiative also includes soccer clinics, educational activities, donations to local community programs, and a social content series.
The Youth Soccer Jamboree was held as part of Bay FC’s larger Bay It Forward program. Launched earlier this season, Bay It Forward seeks to broaden access to sports across the Bay Area and encourage youth leadership development.
Lisa Goodwin Scharff, Executive Vice President of Communications, Community Impact, and Public Affairs at Bay FC said: “Investing in young athletes is a collaborative effort that requires parents, coaches, mentors, and medical professionals working together to overcome barriers that too often discourage girls from participating in sports. The ‘B You’ initiative is an innovative and comprehensive initiative that connects communities with high-quality programs, care, and coaching that will lead to meaningful differences in the lives of girls and women across the Bay Area.”
Jennifer Bollinger, Chief Consumer and Brand Officer at Sutter Health added: “Sutter Health is proud to continue and expand our ‘B You’ initiative in partnership with Bay FC. The lingering effects of the pandemic continue to impact young female athletes—from reduced participation in sports to challenges with physical and mental health, and academic performance. That’s why we’re deepening our collaboration with Bay FC to provide these athletes with elite soccer training and essential wellness resources. Together, we’re committed to empowering and inspiring them to grow stronger—both on and off the field.”
This season’s expansion includes new events aimed at increasing female participation in sports. One recent example is the Moms’ Clinic organized with Women’s Coaching Alliance in August. Local mothers learned soccer fundamentals to better engage with their children through sport.
The program has also distributed co-branded educational materials related to exercise safety and wellness during events. In addition, Bay FC and Sutter Health will donate $20,000 to Women’s Coaching Alliance and Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley. These funds are intended to help expand the number of female coaches in local communities.
To further support young athletes’ development off the field as well as on it, the “B You” social content series continues online. Its latest installment focuses on how professional players address female health issues. A final segment is scheduled for release by the end of the current season.
