Groundbreaking Youth Sports Concussion Safety Pilot Launched

HEADCHECK Health and New Jersey Youth Soccer Launch Concussion Safety Pilot to Protect Young Athletes

For the past five years, HEADCHECK Health has been refining a solution to one of youth sports’ most pressing challenges: helping organizations keep young athletes safe from the consequences of mismanaged concussions. Those efforts are now taking a major step forward, as HEADCHECK Health officially announced a pilot program with New Jersey Youth Soccer to bring its industry-leading technology to the grassroots level.

With athlete safety as the top priority, this initiative will support and equip four forward-thinking NJYS clubs—Den of Lions, Kearny Thistle, Rancocas Valley Soccer Club, and The Football Academy—by introducing a version of HEADCHECK’s platform tailored to address the operational realities of youth sports. Recognizing the important role of volunteer administrators and the challenges of limited resources and decentralized communication, the platform is designed to foster education, streamline coordination, and enhance concussion management through collaboration and shared responsibility.

A Solution Years in the Making

“When we first started adapting our platform for youth sports, we thought we could just simplify our pro-level platform,” said Harrison Brown, CEO of HEADCHECK Health. “But we quickly realized youth leagues face entirely different challenges, like a coach who’s also a parent, a part-time administrator, or a volunteer with three other jobs. So we went back to the drawing board. We talked to leagues, parents, and volunteers. We rebuilt features, tested workflows, and kept refining until we had something that actually works in the real world. This pilot with New Jersey Youth Soccer is part of our continuous mission to solve the operational challenges of concussion safety.”

Why This Partnership Matters

NJ Youth Soccer, which serves over 100,000 youth players, has long prioritized concussion safety but strives to be a leader in how concussions are managed not only in New Jersey but on a national basis.

“We don’t just want compliance; we want a culture of safety,” said Evan Dabby, Executive Director of NJ Youth Soccer. “HEADCHECK stood out because they didn’t just hand us a tool and call it a day. They’ve been working on this problem for years, and it shows. This system is built for busy parents, overworked volunteers, and kids who just want to play safely.”

How It Works

The four clubs selected for the pilot program are among the most innovative in the NJYS network, chosen for their leadership in player safety and readiness to adopt progressive health solutions. The outcomes of the pilot will help shape broader adoption strategies across the state and potentially nationwide.

The pilot clubs will use HEADCHECK’s platform to:

• Document injuries in real time (no more lost forms or relying on memory).
• Standardize return-to-play decisions (removing dangerous guesswork from untrained volunteers).
• Keep parents, coaches, and medical providers on the same page (even when they have never met in person).

“As a club with deep roots in our community, we take our responsibility for player health seriously. Working with HEADCHECK allows us to lead by example for NJ Youth Soccer, ensuring every concussion is identified and reported properly.” – Paul Baptista (President, Den of Lions)

“We’ve seen firsthand how gaps in communication and reporting can put players at risk. This platform bridges those gaps, making it easier for coaches, parents, and medical staff to work together. It’s about protecting our kids, plain and simple.” – Joe Arone (President, Rancocas Valley Soccer Club)

“Innovation in youth sports shouldn’t stop at skills development, it should extend to safety. HEADCHECK’s approach aligns with our mission to provide the best possible environment for young athletes. We’re proud to be part of a pilot that could set a new standard statewide.” – Mark Cassidy (President at The Football Academy NJ)

“Player safety has always been our top priority, but until now, we lacked the tools to identify and report potential concussions consistently. HEADCHECK’s platform gives us the structure we need, without adding extra burden to our volunteers. This pilot is a game-changer for our club and the entire youth soccer community.” – Mike Mara (President, Kearny Thistle United FC) 

What’s Next?

The lessons from these four clubs will not just stay in New Jersey, they will shape how HEADCHECK supports youth leagues across the country.

“This is just the beginning,” confirmed Brown. “We’ve spent five years getting here. Now, we’re ready to scale this solution.”

For more on HEADCHECK Health, visit www.headcheckhealth.com.

For details on New Jersey Youth Soccer, visit www.njyouthsoccer.com.