
Especially for Athletes Leadership Council
Especially 4 Athletes
Especially for Athletes (“E4A”) exists to inspire student-athletes to maximize their athletic potential while using their talents and social influence to uplift and assist others. E4A is fostering a culture of athletes who leverage their influence, which we call the “Sportlight,” to create positive change in the lives of those who may be downtrodden, depressed, or in need of friendship. This mission is pursued alongside a strong focus on academic and athletic achievement, ensuring athletes excel both in their sports and in their schoolwork.
“For over 7 years Utah Soccer Federation and Especially for Athletes have been doing something unique to youth sports. Over a thousand soccer players have joined the Eyes Up Do the Work movement and accepted the challenge from Especially for Athletes to lead with intent and not simply by default. We are excited to be able to reach more athletes and parents with the development of these Leadership Councils and to make the competitive soccer experience an even better one for coaches, parents and especially the players.”
-Dustin Smith, Especially for Athletes Founder
Join the Leadership Council for Utah Soccer Federation Athletes
About Especially For Athletes (E4A)
Especially for Athletes (“E4A”) exists to inspire student-athletes to maximize their athletic potential while using their talents and social influence to uplift and assist others. E4A isfostering a culture of athletes who leverage their influence, which we call the “Sportlight,” tocreate positive change in the lives of those who may be downtrodden, depressed, or in need offriendship. This mission is pursued alongside a strong focus on academic and athletic achievement, ensuring athletes excel both in their sports and in their schoolwork.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking high school-aged soccer players (15 and older) who are passionate about improving their leadership skills, committed to making a difference both on and off the field, and eager to use their influence to assist and uplift others using E4A principles. Applicantsshould demonstrate a strong desire to grow as athletes, leaders, and community members, allwhile balancing their academic and athletic responsibilities. Members of the council willrepresent the athletes of the Utah Youth Soccer Association as part of this exclusivegroup. The council member numbers will be capped, based on the number of applications.
Check out e4a.org and their Instagram (@especially4athletes) to learn more about them!
We are working to plan a kickoff event in late November/early December. Applications will close November 8th.

Eyes Up Do the Work
Utah Soccer Federation’s hope is that E4A will help these selected youth leaders in our Federation and State master the skills to build and a develop a culture and behavior in our sport that will be a catalyst to positive change regarding certain issues we’ve seen within our leagues and events – issues such as poor referee treatment, racism towards opponents, poor sportsmanship on the field, etc.

