In an era where youth sports can feel more like a business than a community, Todd Hill is a refreshing reminder of what grassroots soccer is meant to be.
With more than 37 years of coaching experience—and a deep belief in structure, accountability, and access—Todd leads New Haven Youth Soccer (NHYS) with one goal: provide the best possible environment for players to grow, on and off the field.
That mission starts with his U12 team and radiates across the entire club, from the Learn to Play program for 3-year-olds to U19 teams. And for Todd, the impact is clearest in that pivotal 10–11 age window.
“I’m a bit of a throwback,” he says. “It’s not just about showing up and getting a medal. Winning isn’t everything—but how we get there matters. I’m here to guide you, but you have to do the work. Be honest with yourself.”
Coaching with Purpose, Building with Intention
In South Central Connecticut, “pay-to-play” has become the norm. Premier clubs dominate the landscape—some charging over $3,000 a year. NHYS offers something different: a competitive program for just $300 per year, including uniforms.
That affordability matters. As a sanctuary city with a growing immigrant population, New Haven’s soccer scene is fueled by diversity—and a love for the game that transcends language and background. NHYS provides a consistent and structured place for those players to grow.
From academic tours and college ballkid opportunities to outings with local pro teams like Hartford United and New Haven United FC, NHYS gives players more than just soccer. “Many of our kids never get out of their environment,” Todd says. “We want to plug them into new experiences—cultural, educational, and athletic.”
Coaching the Coaches
As Director of Coaching, Todd doesn’t just focus on players—he builds up coaches too. NHYS’s coaching corps is intentionally structured, with dedicated staff for each age group and a retention model that keeps key leaders in place as kids move up the ladder.
“I send out a weekly ‘Coaches’ Corner’ email,” Todd says. “It’s about setting up better sessions, sharing ideas, and helping our coaches get better. My goal is to give them an academic background to support their vision and philosophy.”
That coaching pipeline is already paying off: four of Todd’s former players are now back on the sidelines, coaching the next generation.
Style, Identity & Structure
Everything at NHYS is built on a shared identity—from the coaching philosophy to the uniforms.
“We’ve worked hard to build a recognizable brand and consistent style of play,” Todd explains. “Thanks to Signature Locker, people know who we are just by how we look and how our players perform.”
That commitment to cohesion runs deep. Todd uses age-specific curriculum and scalable concepts to ensure every player, regardless of level, is learning in a way that fits their stage of development.
“You can’t coach 10-year-olds like they’re pros,” he says. “But you can give them the tools, language, and structure to grow. Our job is to make better players—and better people.”
Why It Works
Parents notice the difference. One father, new to the area, advocated hard to get his son on Todd’s team—even after playing for a top-tier premier club in Massachusetts. After a trial period, the player was brought on—and thrived.
“At the end of the day, people see that we care,” Todd says. “And they want their kids in an environment where coaches are invested.”
That level of investment has led to rapid growth: NHYS is up 20% in size, expanding to hire 6-8 full-time or hybrid coaches this year. But Todd is clear: growth must come with intention.
“Anyone can build numbers,” he says. “We want to build the right culture.”
Why It Matters
At Signature Athletics, we believe great coaches build great communities—and Todd Hill is proof. From mentoring young coaches to giving inner-city kids a path into competitive soccer, NHYS is changing what it means to grow the game.
Not just by offering access, but by offering excellence—with accountability, purpose, and heart.
If you’re in youth soccer for the right reasons, this is the blueprint.
