Soccer for every kid.
No exceptions.
Rising Roots Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using soccer to remove financial, social, and geographic barriers for children and families in the Des Moines metro.
Opportunity should not depend on a family’s bank balance or ZIP code.
Soccer can build confidence, relationships, discipline, and access to new opportunities. Rising Roots exists to make sure cost and logistics do not close that door before a child ever gets the chance to step through it.
Soccer is the entry point. Stronger young people, supported families, and better-connected communities are the goal.
Five free Junior Roots Clinics this fall.
Free pre-match soccer clinics for children ages 5–12 will be held on Sundays: Sept. 13, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, and Nov. 15. Clinics run from 3:30–4:15 PM, followed by a Capital City Roots FC UPSL kickoff at 5:00 PM. The Sept. 13 and Sept. 27 clinics will be held at Trailridge School; the Oct. 25, Nov. 8, and Nov. 15 clinics will be held at Waukee High School.
100% Free
No clinic fee and no club affiliation required.
All Experience Levels
Beginners, recreational players, and experienced players are all welcome.
Stay for the Match
Clinics connect directly to Capital City Roots FC home matchdays, with free match admission.
Deliver what works. Grow it responsibly.
We clearly separate programs operating today from initiatives that are still being funded and developed.
Junior Roots Clinics
Free pre-match youth clinics for ages 5–12.
Scholarship Support
Building dedicated funding for future assistance with participation fees, equipment, and travel costs.
Transportation Access
Developing future transportation support to help families access programs and community activities.
Education & Tutoring
Not currently offered. Education-focused programming is being considered for 2027 as organizational capacity and partnerships grow.
Put your brand behind community access families can see and feel.
Partnerships support free youth clinics and community programming while helping Rising Roots build future scholarship, equipment, and transportation-access initiatives.
Annual partnerships · Program sponsorships · Matchday activations · In-kind services · Equipment support · Future transportation support · Community events
Your support creates opportunity.
Donations help keep Junior Roots Clinics free and support the responsible development of additional youth access programs.
Give your time, skills, or connections.
Volunteer at clinics, help with events, connect families with opportunities, or introduce a community organization to Rising Roots.
No one grows alone.
Families, coaches, volunteers, donors, schools, and local businesses all have a role in creating sustainable opportunities for young people.