OUR PROGRAMS
More Than Soccer.
Building Players. Developing Leaders. Strengthening Community.
At Dena United, soccer is the vehicle, but youth development through community is the mission. Our programs are designed to create a community-driven ecosystem inspired by successful football cultures around the world, particularly France and Spain, where neighborhood clubs, local coaches, accessible facilities, and community investment play an important role in developing both players and people. We bring those principles to Pasadena and Altadena by combining free access, year-round player development, local mentorship, academic support, and community connection.
PROGRAM FOUNDATIONS
Every program is built around four outcomes:
PLAY
Develop healthy habits, dynamic physical health, and a lifelong love for the game in a positive setting.
GROW
Build vital technical soccer competence alongside mental and social resilience through structured mentorship.
LEAD
Develop personal confidence, accountability, and leadership traits both on the field and in the classroom.
BELONG
Create safe spaces and team structures where every young person feels valued, unified, and supported.
PROGRAM 1
The Game Belongs to Everyone.
Inspired by football cultures around the world, Dena United brings the spirit of neighborhood soccer to Pasadena and Altadena. From the streets and plazas of Europe to community pitches across Latin America, football has long brought people together regardless of background or income. Our Free Community Soccer program creates that same sense of accessibility and community here at home.
What's Included
• Free community pick-up (Just Ball)
• Small-sided / Futsal games
• Technical skill development
• Age-appropriate training
• Open play opportunities
• Community tournaments & match days
• Safe, supervised play environments
• Adaptable to After or During School Programming
PROGRAM 2
Coach Mentor Academy
TODAY'S PLAYERS. TOMORROW'S LEADERS.
Empowering Local Parents, Coaches & Young Leaders
The most powerful mentors are often the people who already know the community. Dena United invests in local adults and young people who want to help the next generation succeed. Our Coach Mentor Academy develops a trained, community-based coaching workforce while creating leadership and employment opportunities for local youth.
For Parents & Community Coaches
• Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD)
• Trauma-informed coaching
• Positive youth development
• Child safety
• Concussion awareness
• Leadership and communication
• Age-appropriate player development
• Pathway to Coach and referee licensing
• Access to Professional Coaching Resources
For Youth Coach Mentors
• Coaching skills
• Leadership experience
• Communication skills
• Professional responsibility
• Workforce readiness
• Community Service Hours
• Internship and Work Opportunities
• Mentorship experience
• Pathway to Coach and referee licensing
PROGRAM 3
Player Development Academy
Development Without the Price Tag.
Year-Round Technical Skill Mastery
Talent is everywhere. Opportunity isn't.
Dena United's Player Development Academy provides young athletes with a structured pathway to develop their game throughout the year—without the financial burden of traditional private club soccer. Our approach focuses on long-term player development rather than short-term competition.
Development Areas
Ball mastery
First touch & passing
Dribbling & 1v1 ability
Shooting and Finishing
Tactical awareness
Position-specific development
Speed, agility & coordination
Strength & conditioning
Small-sided decision-making
Competitive match experience
PROGRAM 4
Academic & Life Readiness
Success Doesn't Stop at the Final Whistle.
Soccer teaches lessons that extend far beyond the field. Dena United uses the game as a platform to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to succeed in school, work, and life.
Academic Support
• Academic goal setting
• College awareness
• Recruiting education
• Career exploration
Life Skills Through Sport
Discipline — Show up, prepare, and work hard.
Accountability — Take responsibility for yourself and your team.
Communication — Learn to listen, speak, and work with others.
Resilience — Learn from mistakes and keep moving forward.
Leadership — Lead by example and support your teammates.
Goal Setting — Turn aspirations into achievable steps.
PROGRAM 5
Community events
Soccer Brings Us Together.
Great football cultures are built around community—not just competition. Dena United uses soccer to create opportunities for families and neighbors to come together, celebrate, and build relationships.
Community Events Include
Neighborhood tournaments
Community pick-up days
Family soccer festivals
Seasonal community events
Street Soccer exhibitions
Free clinics and player/coach development events
TRUE PLAY EQUITY
Cost to Families: $0
No registration fees.
No club dues.
No equipment requirements.
No child turned away because they cannot afford to participate.
OUR MISSION IN ACTION
Our Goal
Create consistent neighborhood opportunities for kids to play soccer safely and freely — building the foundation for a healthier, more connected community.
The Dena United Ecosystem
One Game. Many Pathways.
Our programs are designed to work together.
Free Community Soccer
Discover the game
Player Development Academy
Develop your potential
Academic & Life Readiness
Prepare for life
Coach Mentor Academy
Become a leader
Community Events
Strengthen your community
Player → Leader → Mentor → Community Builder
This is how we create a sustainable, community-driven youth sports ecosystem.
Our Promise
High-Quality Development. Zero Financial Barriers.
Dena United is committed to keeping our core youth programming accessible to all participating families. We work to provide:
Because the cost to play should never be the cost of a child's potential.
TAKE ACTION
Ready to get involved?
Dena United thrives because of our sponsors, community volunteers, and parents who share our vision of play equity. Whether you want to volunteer on weekends, sponsor a neighborhood team, or sign up your child, there is a place for you.