WASHINGTON, DC (July 16, 2009) - D.C. United announced today plans to continue the 2009 season of United Drives by collecting soccer equipment before the team’s July 18 home match against the Colorado Rapids. All items collected at the game will benefit Athlete to Atleta and United for D.C. and its signature program, United Soccer Club.
United Soccer Club was born from a request in Ward 8 for opportunities for children to play organized soccer. In the spring of 2006, United for D.C. launched this after school soccer program, in partnership with D.C. Parks and Recreation at Barry Farm Recreation Center. The program currently runs in seven sites around the metro D.C. area, teaching fundamental skills and hosting games and scrimmages.
Athlete to Atleta is an anti-gang program created in Northern Virginia. It is designed to encourage high school students and soccer players to donate soccer uniforms, cleats, shin pads, trophies and goals to their countries of origin while providing them a strong connection with their school via an after school activity which they are passionate about - playing soccer. For more information on Athlete to Atleta or how to donate, please visit A-2-A.org.
Fans who donate an item will receive a "Buy One, Get One Free" ticket voucher, redeemable for that day’s match or any other 2009 regular season home game, excluding the L.A. Galaxy game on August 22.
The collection bin will be located outside RFK Stadium’s Gate A, and is open from two hours prior to the game until 15 minutes after kick-off. Donations are also accepted in the D.C. United offices, located on the fourth floor of Gate A. This season marks the seventh year of the United Drives campaign, which collects much-needed items to help with each beneficiary’s mission.
Each month during the 2009 Major League Soccer season, D.C. United will collect items at every home game to benefit pre-determined non-profit organizations within the Washington, D.C. area. Please see the United Drives schedule below.
United Drives dates:
Drives - collection item (Beneficiary)
July 18 - Soccer Equipment (United for D.C. and Athlete to Atleta)
August 22 - School Supplies (United for D.C.)
September 9, 12, 27 - Toiletries (Thrive DC)
October 3, 17 - Coats (Mission of Love)
For more information on United Drives initiatives or any of D.C. United’s community relations programs, call (202) 587-5000.
Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either “D.C. United” or “United,” but not “the D.C. United” or “the United.” We appreciate your cooperation.
Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
