WASHINGTON, D.C. - United for D.C., the non-profit arm of D.C. United, announced today plans for the first organized soccer match for the children East of the River who participate in the United Soccer Club. Youth in the foundation's after-school soccer program will play their first game of 2006, a friendly match with a recreational team from Chantilly, VA. The game will take place Thursday, May 18 at the Barry Farm Recreation Center (1230 Sumner Rd. SE Washington, DC) beginning at 3:30 p.m. Freddy Adu, Bobby Boswell and Rod Dyachenko will be among the special guests to observe this landmark event. For the match, students will, for the first time, wear their new uniforms, provided by SCORE.
"We're excited to see this meaningful program in action and to observe the new skills acquired by these children that have grown to love soccer," said Kevin Payne, President and CEO of D.C. United and member of the United for D.C. Board of Directors. "In its infancy, the United Soccer Club has been greeted with overwhelming support and appreciation. We look forward to expanding the program in the near future in order to further benefit those seeking the positive aspects that the game brings its participants."
Born from a request by parents throughout Ward 8 for opportunities for their children to play organized soccer, United for D.C. is piloting the United Soccer Club initiative in partnership with DC Parks and Recreation and the Barry Farm Resident Council. Serving approximately 90 first-, second- and third-graders, the United Soccer Club, launched Tuesday, March 28 and scheduled to run through June 1, teaches fundamental skills on Tuesdays and hosts mini "fun" games on Thursdays. Former D.C. United defender and District native Judah Cooks leads the program. During the summer months, United Soccer Club will host a series of clinics throughout Anacostia and other neighborhoods East of the River in hopes of expanding the after-school program.
For more information on the United Soccer Club or any of United for D.C.'s programs and community involvement, please contact Catherine Marquette, United for D.C.'s Executive Director and D.C. United's Director of Community Relations via email (cmarquette@dcunited.com) or phone (202-587-5443).
Who: East of the River elementary school children
What: First United Soccer Club game
When: Thursday, May 18 at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Barry Farm Recreation Center (1230 Sumner Rd. SE Washington, DC)
Notes: D.C. United players Freddy Adu, Bobby Boswell and Rod Dyachenko will be among the special guests in attendance.
