Get On the Bus launched its pilot program in Maryland through Ellicott City Soccer Club in spring 2018 by serving 41 elementary school participants. After this inaugural season, Ellicott City Soccer Club won the MSYSA Grassroots Futures Award for this groundbreaking program. The press from the MSYSA award resulted in attention from state associations, clubs, and leagues around the country, and GOTB expanded to Las Vegas, NV (serving 50 kids in the first season there), while also increasing the reach in MD to serve an additional 50 kids. After receiving the Edward Finzel Honor Award for Outstanding Contributions to Soccer in MD in 2020, GOTB received US Soccer funding to continue expansion into Northern California (Cal North) and Connecticut, while continuing to serve communities in Las Vegas, NV, and Howard County, MD. GOTB consists of local staff on the ground for each program as well as a national staff of directors and continues to raise funds to expand to more markets around the country. Get On The Bus breaks down financial and transportation barriers so that kids can play recreational soccer on a team in their community, while also learning valuable life skills and good study habits through this free after school program. Get On The Bus's mission is to make soccer accessible to as many kids as possible the opportunity to participate in GOTB so that they can use what they learn on and off the field to become positive contributors to their communities.
