Childhood obesity is an issue of epidemic proportions in the United States, particularly here in the Nation’s Capital. It has been for quite some time.
While we congratulate four of the other major professional sports teams joining a corporate sponsor in a campaign promoting healthy, active opportunities for youth, D.C. United has been creating, managing and partnering in such programs for years. Through specific, significant initiatives such as United Soccer Club and high-profile participation in First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move’ initiative, D.C. United is heavily vested in the struggle. In the media's haste to report on yesterday's announcement and the teams participating, many failed to properly acknowledge our continued efforts.
[inline_lightbox:12668]Born of requests from the Ward 8 community, United Soccer Clubwas created in 2006 as an after school program to fill a void of structured activity and nutritional awareness in an impoverished community. Our club’s non-profit arm, United for D.C.has overseen dramatic growth of this important initiative through the years. In 2010 alone, United for D.C. will provide more than $85,000 to fully staff and operate 12 locations reaching more than 700 underserved children in DC, Maryland and Virginia in Spring and Fall sessions. In 2011, we have expectations to do even more.
United Soccer Club has also played a large role in campaigns of the highest order. The program was featured during the US Soccer Foundation’s Gala honoring Reverend Desmond Tutu. Close to 100 children joined the First Lady in a free soccer clinic to coincide with the event. USC has been called on to participate in yet another high profile clinic, the South Lawn Series, to be held on the White House lawn October 7.
In addition, D.C. United has provided nine free clinics similar to those described in yesterday’s announcement, hosting close to 1,000 children already this year.
To find out more about United Soccer Club or any number of our charitable endeavors, please go to dcunited.com/community or call 202-587-5000. There is no team in this area more committed to serving the community through meaningful programming and the daily hard work necessary to make a difference.
