D.C. United and itsnon-profit arm, United for D.C., today announced the fall season kickoff ofUnited Soccer Club. The season began this week and the program will continueuntil November 18th. Throughthe generous support of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Volkswagen, the fallsession will include 12 sites and two middle school teams in the district metroarea. United for D.C. and the U.S. Soccer Foundation work together to supporttheir missions to promote youth soccer, healthy lifestyles and providementorship in economically disadvantaged urban communities.
“We are very proud to launcha new season of United Soccer Club,” said Michael Vaughan Cherubin, United forD.C. Program Manager. “D.C. United andUnited for D.C. remain committed to the youth of this city, teaching thefundamentals of soccer, and healthy lifestyles, and providing youth withconsistent mentorship.”
Fall 2011 sites include Boys& Girls Club at Orr Elementary School, Barry Farm Parks and RecreationCenter, Ketcham Elementary School, Boys & Girls Club FBR Branch @ THEARC,and Fort Davis Parks and Recreation Center in Ward 8, Fishing School at J.O.Wilson Elementary School in Ward 6, Turkey Thicket Parks and Recreation Centerin Ward 5, Harrison Parks and Recreation Center and Parkview Recreation Centerin Ward 1, Richard England Clubhouse #14 in Ward 7, and Long Branch CommunityCenter in Montgomery, Md., Middle school teams play at Friendship CharterSchool and Harrison Recreation Center.
In 2011, United Soccer Clubwill continue to provide highly trained coaches to teach the fundamentals ofthe game. Other program elements includea “mini-league”, trips to D.C. United games, end-of-year tournaments, and ahealthy lifestyles curriculum.
United Soccer Club was bornfrom a request in Ward 8 for more organized after-school activities forchildren. In the spring of 2006, United for D.C. launched a soccer program, inpartnership with D.C. Parks and Recreation at Barry Farm Recreation Center. Theprogram ran for eight weeks, teaching fundamental skills and hosting games andscrimmages.
United Soccer Club is one ofthe many community outreach ventures of United for D.C. Through the Kicks for Kids program, thousandsof underprivileged children will have an opportunity to watch United play thisseason. United Reads, currently presented in six DC elementary schools, willdistribute close to 10,000 books during player visits throughout the schoolyear.
For more information on theseprograms or how fans can contribute time or money to these worthy causes,please contact United for D.C. at 202-587-5000.
