The goal of the Need-Based Scholarship Program (“NBS”) is to get people back on their feet in a variety of ways. The long-term benefits of club soccer are substantial, but participation shouldn’t send families into debt. Scholarship assistance looks different for each family, depending on their needs.
Each scholarship starts at 75% of registration fees. Families are asked to contribute the remaining 25% in order to participate. In order to apply for NBS, families must submit a current-year tax return to verify income. Income requirements are listed below.
Program Highlights
Financial Aid Awards are based upon demonstrated need only. Demonstrated financial need is the only determinant in receiving financial assistance and is not contingent upon playing ability.
Families must meet the income requirements listed below. The player being applied for must be listed as a dependent on the tax return. Should families not meet these income requirements, please inquire with your regional director of coaching for other financial aid opportunities. Families can also visit, Every Kid Sports, to apply for aid in which they provide a portion of registration fees to qualifying families.
NEFC uses Federal Poverty Level (FPL) benchmarks to assess demonstrated financial need.
Core NBS Eligibility
• Up to 150% of FPL is eligible for Need-Based Scholarship (NBS) when documentation is complete.
Expanded Financial Aid Path (Case-by-Case)
• 150%–200% of FPL are not NBS-eligible but may qualify for additional financial aid through case-by-case review.
• Decisions are not guaranteed and follow a longer review timeline than Core NBS eligibility.
For families residing in designated high-cost-of-living regions, NEFC may apply a regional income adjustment of up to 20% when reviewing applications that exceed standard Need-Based Scholarship thresholds.
| Household Size | 150% FPL | 200% FPL |
| 1 | $23,475 | $31,300 |
| 2 | $31,725 | $42,300 |
| 3 | $39,975 | $53,300 |
| 4 | $48,225 | $64,300 |
| 5 | $56,475 | $75,300 |
| 6 | $64,725 | $86,300 |
| 7 | $72,975 | $97,300 |
| 8 | $81,225 | $108,300 |
| each additional family member | +$8,250 | +$11,000 |
Please note the following:
How are applications reviewed?
• Reviews occur frequently each week from May–August
• Decisions depend on income eligibility and completeness of documentation
What documents are required?
All families must upload:
1. First two pages of the most recent IRS Form 1040
2. Thank you letter
3. Photo
Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
What if we do not qualify for NBS?
Families above the NBS income threshold may be reviewed for additional financial aid on a case-by-case basis. Most decisions are made by August 1.
Who do we contact?
Please contact your Coach or Director of Coaching. Families should not contact the NBS Administrator directly.