Washington, D.C. – From April 22nd to April 25th, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States, will hold a series of events around Washington, D.C. to highlight the sport of soccer and its impact on youth in urban communities.
On April 24th, U.S. Soccer Foundation will make its mark in the Congressional event space. The inaugural Capital Soccer Classic, in partnership with POLITICO and presented by Johnson & Johnson, will take place from 4:00p – 8:00p at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. This event is a great opportunity to watch U.S. Soccer legends and Members of Congress join one cause in the name of soccer. Participants in the Capital Soccer Classic include:
- Jürgen Klinsmann – Current Head Coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team
- Eddie Pope – former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team and D.C. United
- Claudio Reyna – former captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team and current USSF US Youth Technical Director. His Foundation also runs our program, Soccer for Success, in Newark, NJ and NYC
- Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak – Gold medalist and World Cup Champion with the U.S. Women’s National Team
- Juergen Sommer – former member for the U.S. Men’s National team; also played in the FA Premier League
Proceeds from the Classic will benefit the Foundation’s Soccer for Success program which operates in 20 cities nationwide, including the District, and aims to provide children in urban, underserved communities with soccer and nutrition education, free of charge. This is a must-attend event for fans of soccer and those who stand behind using sport for social change. More information about the Classic can be found here.
The Urban Soccer Symposium
As the leader in sports-based youth development, the Foundation will continue its work to share best practices and maximize impact at its 7th annual Urban Soccer Symposium. The Urban Soccer Symposium, the premier conference for urban soccer programmers, will take place at the Georgetown University Hotel and Conference Center from April 22nd to April 25th. The Symposium will feature interactive workshops and discussions tailored to meet the needs of those working in the sport-for-youth development industry. Keynote speakers at the Symposium include Claudio Reyna, former captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team and current USSF US Youth Technical Director and Cobi Jones, former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team and current Associate Director of Soccer for the New York Cosmos. Visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org/2013symposium for more details about this year’s Symposium.
“Part of our responsibility as a foundation is to help strengthen other non-profit organizations that are using sport to improve health and social outcomes for children – particularly those growing up in underserved communities,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and ceo of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “This week in April is extremely important for us and the sports-based youth development movement. The more support the idea of “sport for social change” generates, the greater the impact we can have in children’s lives. We have to work together to help today’s youth – collaboration and teamwork is what this week is all about.”
For more information about the U.S. Soccer Foundation, please visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org.
**Media Credentials: Media interested in covering one or both events must contact Krista Washington at kwashington@ussoccerfoundation.org/202-872-6662 to request a media credential.**
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a recognized leader in sports-based youth development programs for children in underserved, urban communities. Since its founding in 1994, the organization has provided more than $59 million in funding to create and sustain innovative programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proven to deliver positive health and social outcomes, the Foundation’s affordable initiatives offer safe environments in which both boys and girls thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C. the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org to learn more.
Editor Note: For your understanding, we are a separate entity from USSF/US/U.S. Soccer. When referring to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, please refer to it by its proper name.
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