During the months of June, July and August, Kraft Foods joined Major League Soccer and MLS Camps to provide young and aspiring soccer players in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles the opportunity to participate in MLS Camps sessions free of charge. In all, more than 1,000 camp slots were provided to members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, of which Kraft has been a long-time supporter, as a way of promoting positive youth development.
"Kraft's partnership with MLS Camps and Major League Soccer is a new step in our broad commitment to health and wellness," said Michael Tilley, Associate Director, Sports Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Kraft Foods. "Creating these opportunities for the Boys & Girls Club members was a fun, relevant way to help educate these youngsters about the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet."
The youth participated in MLS Camps that took place in Chicago from June 27-29, in New York from July 13-17, and in Los Angeles from August 29-31. MLS players from the local teams made appearances at all three locations, running drills for the campers, conducting quizzes on the fundamentals of soccer and discussing the benefits of healthy eating and physical fitness.
Information about healthy lifestyles has always formed part of MLS Camps' instructional programs. This includes a pre-camp clinic for players and their parents designed to help build their knowledge of the numerous benefits of nutrition and exercise, as well as daily breaks that utilize fun, interactive activities to educate players on the importance of maintaining good health through the various food groups.
"With the continued explosion of soccer's popularity among youth in this country, Major League Soccer recognized an opportunity to align two of its most important partners," said David Wright, Senior Director of Partnership Marketing for Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing. "Kraft continues to expand its health and wellness initiatives for young people, and given soccer's status as a sport that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle, the partnership evolved naturally."
MLS Camps, the official camp of Major League Soccer, strives provide an experience for individuals that activates them and lifts them beyond their vision of capability. MLS Camps currently provides soccer products, programs and services that annually develop 270,000 players, 15,000 coaches and 1,100 clubs across the United States in 1,100 communities.
