For many kids, recreational sports is where it all begins.
It’s where most athletes put on their first jersey, learn foundational skills, and discover what it means to be part of a team. For families this experience is often less about chasing competition and more about finding a program that brings a sense of community, is well organized, and is worth coming back to year after year.
That’s exactly what the Lakota Sports Organization (LSO) has been working hard to build over the last several decades.
Founded in 1978, Lakota Sports Organization now serves more than 5,000 youth athletes annually across six different sports programs. The organization's soccer program remains a primary offering, designed to meet families wherever they are by providing multiple participation opportunities, from introductory recreational leagues to advanced select programs—including recreational leagues through MLS GO.
“Our goal in all sports is to offer that opportunity,” said Bruce Rhodes, Executive Administrator for Lakota Sports Organization. “You can come in at any age. Anyone is welcome. Kids with no experience can come in and play.”
That accessibility has remained central to the organization as youth sports continue to evolve. Lakota Sports has intentionally built programs that allow kids to participate while still leaving room for other activities, interests, and sports.
“Offering an accessible and positive experience is our goal,” Rhodes said. “Sometimes due to financial requirements or time commitment, families may be unable to provide their children with these vital, character-building opportunities. At LSO, we want to provide opportunities for all families.”
That community-first mindset is part of what made the transition to MLS GO feel like a natural fit. Even more, the relationship with Major League Soccer and local club FC Cincinnati has created new opportunities and experiences for athletes beyond the field.
For the last five years, Lakota Sports athletes have participated in many exciting pregame experiences, like player walkouts before FC Cincinnati matches. This has helped deepen the connection between local recreational soccer and the professional game, and brought the excitement of an MLS match to these new players.
What stood out most, though, was how smoothly MLS GO integrated into the organization’s existing structure. That operational simplicity matters in community sports, especially for volunteer-driven organizations trying to make participation easier for families.
Today, Lakota Sports operates MLS GO programming from U5 through U10, helping introduce young athletes to the game in an environment focused on participation, structure, and enjoyment.
And while recreational soccer is often where kids first fall in love with the sport, keeping them engaged over time takes intentional effort. For Rhodes, many of the most important parts of youth sports happen naturally when the environment is supportive.
“I work closely with our volunteer soccer board. We all spend a lot of time planning, trying to ensure we have a well organized program with good communication for parents,” Rhodes said. “But we know that the experience for our players is what’s important. It’s what they’ll remember—not the emails and practice schedules. We’re lucky. We have caring coaches who work hard to ensure the players are out there learning and having fun. That’s the great thing about youth sports, if you put the kids out there and create a positive environment, the fun happens on its own!”
For Angie Schmidt, Resource Development Coordinator at Lakota Sports, one of the most rewarding parts has been watching former players return to stay involved in the program long after their playing days.
“We have players that have gone through the program and they want to come back,” she said. “Offering opportunities as volunteers like coaches and trainers, or having them come back to referee and be part of it—they’re building relationships and forming connections.”
Some former players have even turned those experiences into jobs through the organization’s referee program.
“It seems contagious,” Angie said. “The kids just glow with former players.”
That continuity has helped Lakota Sports maintain strong participation across its programs year-round, even as the demands of operating community sports continue to grow.
“We have created something we’re really proud of, but we know there’s always room for growth … room for improvement,” Rhodes said. “Organizationally, we make sure we’re evaluating those things.”
Running multiple sports programs serving thousands of families requires constant coordination—from registration and marketing to field preparation and communication.
“It’s the nature of the beast,” Angie said with a laugh. “You get through one season and think, ‘Phew, I can breathe,’ and then another one is right behind it.”
But for both Rhodes and Angie, the reason they continue doing the work remains simple.
“The kids are what make it worth it,” Angie said. “That’s the main focus for us: creating opportunities.”
To find an MLS GO league near you or to learn more about starting a league, visit MLS GO.
