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.
Join us Sunday, October 25 at Waukee High School.
Clinic: 3:30–4:15 PM · Ages: 5–13. The free clinic is followed by Capital City Roots FC vs. Reapers FC at 5:00 PM, with free match admission. The Sept. 13 and Sept. 27 clinics have been completed. Remaining Fall 2026 clinics are Oct. 25, Nov. 8, and Nov. 15 at Waukee High School, each from 3:30–4:15 PM.
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 5–13.
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.
Soccer Command
Rising Roots Initiative is proud to recognize Soccer Command as an equipment provider. Founded by George Carr, Soccer Command helps players, coaches, teams, and families find quality soccer products at competitive prices with personal, one-on-one service—an approach that aligns with our commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to the game.
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.