Rising Roots Initiative has released the Fall 2026 schedule for its free Junior Roots Clinics, giving families five opportunities to get children ages 5–12 on the field before Capital City Roots FC home matches in Waukee.
Every clinic is free to attend, open to all experience levels, and designed to give local children a welcoming introduction to soccer without the cost or commitment that can come with traditional youth programming.
Five Free Clinics This Fall
All five Junior Roots Clinics will be held on Sundays from 3:30–4:15 PM, followed by a 5:00 PM Capital City Roots FC UPSL home match. Admission to the match is also free.
- Sunday, Sept. 13 – Trailridge School – Capital City Roots FC vs. Ryogoku
- Sunday, Sept. 27 – Trailridge School – Capital City Roots FC vs. Atletico
- Sunday, Oct. 25 – Waukee High School – Capital City Roots FC vs. Reapers
- Sunday, Nov. 8 – Waukee High School – Capital City Roots FC vs. Heartland
- Sunday, Nov. 15 – Waukee High School – Capital City Roots FC vs. Omaha Street
Families can attend one clinic or register for multiple dates throughout the season. No club affiliation or prior soccer experience is required.
What Junior Roots Clinics Are About
Junior Roots Clinics are one of Rising Roots Initiative’s active youth programs. The goal is simple: create a free, low-pressure entry point where children can play, learn, meet positive role models, and experience the game in a community-centered environment.
Capital City Roots FC provides the soccer environment, players, coaches, and matchday platform that help bring the clinics to life. Rising Roots Initiative remains responsible for the charitable programming, community partnerships, donations, and nonprofit operations that support the program.
By placing the clinics directly before home matches, families can participate in a youth activity and then stay for a full local soccer experience at no admission cost. It creates a matchday built around access, family participation, and stronger connections between local players and younger athletes.
Why Free Access Matters
Youth soccer can become expensive quickly when families are asked to cover registration fees, uniforms, travel, camps, equipment, and other costs. Rising Roots Initiative is working to remove some of those barriers by keeping Junior Roots Clinics free and creating opportunities that families can participate in without a financial commitment.
The Fall 2026 schedule also gives Rising Roots a chance to continue building the systems, partnerships, volunteer support, and community involvement needed for future youth-access initiatives. Scholarship support, transportation access, and other expanded programming remain part of the organization’s 2026–27 development work as funding and operational capacity grow.
What Families Can Expect on Matchday
Each clinic is structured to be approachable for both first-time players and children who already play regularly. Activities may include ball work, movement games, passing, finishing, small-sided play, and other age-appropriate soccer activities led with an emphasis on participation and enjoyment.
Families should plan to arrive early enough to complete check-in before the 3:30 PM start. The clinic concludes at 4:15 PM, leaving time for participants and families to transition into the Capital City Roots FC matchday environment before the 5:00 PM kickoff.
For Rising Roots Initiative, the connection between the clinic and the match is intentional. Young players get more than a short training session. They get to see local adult players compete, interact with people involved in the game, and experience soccer as part of a larger community. The goal is to make a local matchday feel accessible to families who may not otherwise have a regular connection to organized soccer.
Because the program is free, registration also helps us plan responsibly. Knowing expected attendance allows Rising Roots to prepare appropriate equipment, volunteer support, field organization, and activities for the number and ages of children expected at each clinic.
Register for a Fall Clinic
Parents and guardians can reserve a free clinic spot through the Junior Roots registration form. Registration helps Rising Roots prepare staffing, equipment, check-in, and age-appropriate activities for each matchday.
Families can also visit the Clinics page for current program details.
Help Keep the Clinics Free
Rising Roots Initiative depends on community support to keep youth programming accessible. Local businesses, volunteers, donors, and community organizations can help by supporting clinic operations, equipment, matchday activities, and the responsible development of future youth-access programs.
To discuss a partnership, contact partners@risingrootsinitiative.org. To support Rising Roots directly, visit the organization’s donation page.
Soccer for Every Kid. No Exceptions.