Harlem Youth Soccer Association is a Harlem-based, non-profit youth development organization using soccer as a means of doing social development. The program serves youth in the Harlem/South Bronx community, focusing on boys and girls aged 5âÂÂ12 and youth aged 13âÂÂ19. According to Irvine Smalls Jr., member of the board of directors, "âÂÂThe real goal is to develop these kids holistically in a nontraditional sport.âÂÂ
The logo portraits as a shield featuring the lion's head which is widely understood as a symbol of strength, the lion also symbolizes other attributes such as courage, strength, honor, and leadership.