For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Krista Washington, kwashington@ussoccerfoundation.org, 202-872-6662
Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Soccer Foundation has taken on the task of improving the lives of children in urban underserved communities, using the sport of soccer. Winner of the prestigious 2011 Social Innovation Fund Award, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has executed an innovative, sports-based youth development after-school program called Soccer for Success that provides structured physical activity, nutrition education and mentorship to at-risk youth.
Landon Donovan, a member of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Players’ Advisory Council and a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy explains the reality for many children in underserved communities:
“Fear of crime, violence and the lack of safe play spaces and fields have changed things dramatically. For far too many children, the days of unsupervised play after school — running in and around the neighborhood — is not an option. There is simply nowhere to go and nothing to do.
Unfortunately, for the children at greatest risk of being overweight or obese, access to organized youth sports programs is limited. Children living in economically disadvantaged communities have significantly higher rates of childhood obesity. Lack of knowledge and a lack of affordable access to healthier foods are often cited as the major driver of that trend. However, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a national leader in the fight against childhood obesity, also cites a dearth of organized youth sports programs and the lack of safe places to play and recreate as major contributors.”
For 90 minutes a day, 3 times a week for 24 weeks, kids can participate in Soccer for Success and learn how to live a positive and healthy lifestyle – at no cost to their parents. On November 19, 2011, in conjunction with MLS Cup weekend, a demonstration of Soccer for Success will take place at the Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles. Remarks from Shellie Pfohl, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and other leaders in youth development will follow the demonstration.
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States. Established in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has invested more than $51 million, supporting hundreds of projects in all 50 states. The U.S. Soccer Foundation supports programs and field building projects that provide low-income and at-risk youth in urban communities with soccer programs that promote education, healthy lifestyles, leadership and positive alternatives to drugs, crime and other at-risk behaviors.
Media Request: When referring to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, please refer to the organization only as the U.S. Soccer Foundation or the Foundation, and never as USSF or US/U.S. Soccer. We appreciate your cooperation.
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