Breaking barriers.
Growing roots.
Rising Roots Initiative is a Des Moines-area 501(c)(3) nonprofit using soccer to remove financial, social, and geographic barriers for children and families. We create free entry points into the game, create opportunities for young people to build relationships with positive role models and community partners, and build partnerships that make access sustainable.
Opportunity should not depend on a family’s bank balance or ZIP code.
Soccer can open doors to confidence, relationships, mentorship, education, and opportunity. Too often, the cost and logistics of organized sports keep those doors closed before a child ever gets the chance to step through them.
Rising Roots Initiative was created to change that. Soccer is our entry point, but stronger young people, supported families, and better-connected communities are the outcome we are working toward.
What we are building in Iowa.
Use soccer to remove financial, social, and geographic barriers and create real opportunities for children and families in Iowa.
An Iowa where access to the game, and to the doors it can open, is never decided by a family’s ZIP code or bank balance.
Start with access. Build from there.
Our 2026 work is intentionally focused. We are building programs we can deliver well, measure honestly, and grow responsibly.
Junior Roots Clinics
Free pre-match youth soccer clinics for ages 5–13. The Sept. 13 and Sept. 27 clinics have been completed. The next clinic is Oct. 25 at Waukee High School from 3:30–4:15 PM, followed by the Capital City Roots FC home match at 5:00 PM. Remaining clinics are Oct. 25, Nov. 8, and Nov. 15 at Waukee High School.
Scholarship Support
We are developing funding to help families overcome costs connected to league fees, equipment, and travel. Application details will be published as dedicated funding becomes available.
Transportation Access
Funding is being developed for transportation support designed to reduce another common barrier to participation, including future bus passes, ride coordination, and related assistance.
Education & Tutoring
After-school tutoring is not currently offered. Education-focused programming is being considered for 2027 as the organization expands its capacity and partnerships.
A nonprofit mission connected to Capital City Roots FC.
Capital City Roots FC provides the soccer environment, players, coaches, and matchday platform that help bring Rising Roots programming to life. Rising Roots Initiative remains the nonprofit organization responsible for charitable programming, donations, community partnerships, and nonprofit governance.
That idea guides the work. Sustainable youth development takes families, coaches, businesses, schools, volunteers, and community organizations working together.
Des Moines first. Built to grow responsibly.
The Des Moines metro is Rising Roots Initiative’s primary service region for 2026. Council Bluffs is the organization’s planned next expansion market for 2027 after the Des Moines model is established and sustainable.
Cost should never be the reason a child cannot participate.
Local partnerships should create local outcomes families can see and feel.
Programs should be measurable, funding should be transparent, and growth should be responsible.
Accountable to the mission and the community.
Rising Roots Initiative is governed by an Iowa-based board of directors. The board provides oversight of the nonprofit’s programs, partnerships, finances, and relationship with Capital City Roots FC.
Five free Junior Roots Clinics this fall.
The next free clinic for ages 5–13 is Sunday, Oct. 25 at Waukee High School. The clinic runs 3:30–4:15 PM, followed by the Capital City Roots FC home match at 5:00 PM. Registration is open. Additional clinics are Nov. 8 and Nov. 15 at Waukee High School.