WASHINGTON - D.C. United and United for D.C. have taken a significant role in improving the summer of approximately 60 underprivileged youth in southeast D.C. The non-profit arm of United, United for D.C., has provided a $25,000 grant to DC SCORES to fund a six-week long summer camp, which began this week at Stanton Elementary School on Naylor Road SE, in Ward 8. The Black-and-Red are also providing appearances by numerous players at the daily camp, which runs until August 10.
"Without the financial support of United for D.C. this camp would not be possible," said Holly O'Donnell, Executive Director of DC SCORES. "We are incredibly grateful to both D.C. United and United for D.C. for their overwhelming support. The grant is giving nearly 60 children in Ward 8 the chance to excel on and off the soccer field this summer. Too many children suffer from learning losses in the summertime, and it's clear that D.C. United and United for D.C. are committed to helping DC SCORES end this cycle."
"This was a need that was unfulfilled in our community," said United President and CEO and United for D.C. board member, Kevin Payne. "We are very happy that we are in a position to help provide for the wonderful program put on by DC SCORES. We take pride in our role in the community and we will continue to seek out opportunities to improve the lives of our local youth."
In addition to weekly player appearances, United is also contributing approximately 100 tickets through its Kicks for Kids program, allowing the campers to attend United's July 15 game with the San Jose Earthquakes.
The DC SCORES summer camp program includes a significant amount of time spent practicing soccer, as well as daily writing workshops, various art classes and field trips. Throughout the six-week camp, United players will be making appearances to assist with training sessions, sign autographs and take pictures with campers. At the end of the program, D.C. United will help host a barbeque, which will include numerous members of the Black-and-Red and the youth skills competition Dribble, Pass & Score.
DC SCORES is one of Washington's largest school based youth development programs. The mission is to inspire in urban children a lasting dedication to education, healthy living and civic responsibility. DC SCORES serves over 600 children at 22 DC public elementary schools in a five day per week after school program that combines soccer, literacy and community service. In the summer DC SCORES provides an all day camp for 100 children. More information on DC SCORES can be found at americascores.org.
United for D.C.
United for D.C., Inc. was founded on January 8, 2002 as the charitable arm of Major League Soccer's D.C. United. United for D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization chartered to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.
