The MetroStars announce that they have teamed up with AMERIGROUP Corporation in an exciting Hispanic youth soccer initiative. As part of the initiative, the MetroStars and AMERIGROUP will work with local youth soccer programs, ages 8 to 14, throughout the North Jersey area to help encourage and support a productive environment where team members can develop socially, mentally and physically.
"The Hispanic community has a tremendous passion for soccer and interest in the MetroStars," said MetroStars president and general manager Nick Sakiewicz. "Working with great partners like AMERIGROUP, gives us the unique opportunity to reach out to young players in Hispanic soccer associations throughout New Jersey."
The MetroStars and AMERIGROUP collectively identified Hispanic youth soccer clubs in East Orange, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Newark, North Bergen and the Paterson areas and will develop various initiatives with each club from May through November. Each club will be provided with soccer balls, practice t-shirts, shin guards and coaching cones. This equipment will be donated to the clubs during special visits to their practices by the MetroStars MetroMobile, mascot and AMERIGROUP Hummer. Equipment drop-offs will run from May 19 through May 31.
"This signifies a huge achievement for the Hispanic youth of New Jersey," said Gustavo Ospina, President of the Americas United Soccer Association. "It is wonderful to have the support of the MetroStars and AMERIGROUP in creating these types of initiatives and keeping our youth focused on sports."
In addition to the equipment provided by the MetroStars and AMERIGROUP, each club will receive a soccer clinic hosted by MetroStars Player Development coaches and will include a MetroStars player appearance.
"This program is part of AMERIGROUP's commitment to giving back to the community," said Gloria Fobbs, Director of Community Relations for AMERIGROUP. "AMERIGROUP is a community health plan that places an emphasis on healthier children and families. Being active in sports is just one way to achieve this goal."
As a final element of the partnership, the MetroStars and AMERIGROUP will donate 50 tickets to all six clubs to attend a MetroStars game this summer.
AMERIGROUP Corporation, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a multi-state managed health care company focused on serving people who receive healthcare benefits through publicly sponsored programs including Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, and FamilyCare. The Company operates in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, Illinois, Florida and the District of Columbia. For more information about AMERIGROUP Corporation, please visit the Company's web site at www.amerigroupcorp.com
