Since its inception in 1996, D.C. United has maintained a firm commitment to serving its community. With news of a permanent home in the District of Columbia, the Black-and-Red remains as dedicated as ever to the city that it has called home for more than 17 seasons. Through various community programs, and alongside its charitable arm, United for D.C., the club makes a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people each year.
Below, read about several club- and foundation-led programs currently in place, and how they combine to have a positive effect on our hometown!
United Builds
Through the United Builds program, the D.C. United staff, players and fans work together on community projects and initiatives benefiting a variety of non-profit organizations. To date, D.C. United has worked consistently with various organizations, such as Thrive DC and So Others Might Eat (SOME) by serving homeless men, women and children hot meals; in addition to Habitat for Humanity, Children’s National Medical Center, the Salvation Army, Bread for the City and The Alice Ferguson Foundation.
In 2012: Served 20 organizations, volunteered more than 800 hours.
United Drives
United Drives benefits worthy non-profit organizations in the area by collecting much-needed items to help with each beneficiary's mission. This initiative assigns a different charity drive for each month of the MLS regular season, including the collection of soccer equipment, food, children's books, and school supplies.
In 2012: Collected items, such as food, pet supplies, sporting goods equipment, and care package stuffers for seven worthy non-profits.
United Reads
United Reads supports childhood literacy through partnerships with neighboring elementary schools and local health care centers located throughout the greater Washington D.C. area . Through this United for D.C. initiative, United encourages area youth to fall in love with reading while also promoting literacy amongst children and their families.
In 2012: Donated more than 10,000 books and participated in reading events at six different elementary schools in the District of Columbia.
United Soccer Club
Born of the request of local community leaders and run by United for D.C., United Soccer Clun introduces the sport of soccer to youth in inner-city and underprivileged communities of the greater Washington, D.C. area. The program partners with urban families, schools, recreation centers and community-based organizations in order to invest in the athletic, emotional and social welfare of the youth we serve.
In 2012: 12 sites, two seasons (fall and spring), 720 children
