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U.S Soccer Foundation Awards 15 Grants to Expand Access to Soccer Programming and Safe Playing Spaces

By USASA Communications, 05/16/17, 9:30AM CDT

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Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Soccer Foundation today announced it has awarded 15 grants totaling $578,995 to provide soccer programming to 5,940 youth and to build and enhance safe playing spaces in nine communities. The field-building grants will allow access to safe places to play for 20,019 youth and adults.

In a continuing effort to grow the game of soccer and improve health outcomes for children in underserved communities, the U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants to support soccer programming and field-building initiatives around the country.  Non-profit organizations eligible to receive grant funding include those that provide children with the opportunity to play soccer and programming that promotes healthy youth development.

“The U.S. Soccer Foundation is excited to support these grant recipients in their continued efforts to leverage the game of soccer for social change and create equal access to safe places to play for all communities,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “These grants will help introduce youth to the game of soccer and promote a culture of health in communities across the country.”

Five Program Grants were awarded to organizations this year that are implementing innovative and or non-traditional soccer programs in their communities. The grants will help organizations cover soccer equipment and/or operating expenses. Nine awards were distributed this grant cycle as a part of the Safe Places to Play program. The Safe Places to Play program transforms underutilized spaces into soccer fields where there is often a lack of safe play spaces. These grants will help cover the costs of irrigation, lighting, and surfacing enhancements.

Spring 2017 Program Grant Recipients

  • Catholic Charities Community Services – New York, NY
  • Collaborative Solutions for Communities – Washington, DC
  • Doc Wayne Youth Services – Boston, MA
  • Girls Leading Girls – San Francisco, CA
  • Soccer in the Streets – Atlanta, GA

Spring 2017 Safe Places to Play Grant Recipients

  • City of Nashua Department of Parks and Recreation – Nashua, NH
  • City of Tulelake* - Tulelake, CA
  • City of Valley Park – Valley Park, MO
  • Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club – Denver, CO
  • Connellsville Soccer Club – Uniontown, PA
  • Friends of Pittsburgh Professional Soccer – Pittsburgh, PA
  • Indian Hills Community College – Ottumwa, IA
  • Municipality of Bethel Park – Bethel Park, PA
  • Washington Premier Football Club – Puyallup, WA

*Received multiple grants

Support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s grant process is provided by the Foundation’s corporate partners, including AstroTurf, Hunter Industries, Kwik Goal, Musco Sports Lighting, Soccer.com and Sport Court.

 

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation 
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter at @ussoccerfndn and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ussoccerfoundation.