Washington, D.C. - United for D.C., the non-profit arm of D.C. United announced today the return of its highly successful after-school soccer program, United Soccer Club. In addition to last year's program, which taught fundamental soccer skills to elementary school children East of the Anacostia River, the club will field a U-10 team, scheduled to compete in the Capitol Hill Soccer League.
"We are honored to continue to be able to work with the talented children living East of the River," said Stephen Zack, President of the United for D.C. Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of D.C. United. "We are proud of the initiative that has developed a burgeoning group of young soccer players and hope that United Soccer Club will continue to supplement the academic, recreational and life lessons taught by the local schools, through DC SCORES, the DC Parks and Recreation Department, the Boys & Girls Clubs and those working so faithfully towards the positive development of these youth."
United Soccer Club's Spring '07 program begins on Monday, March 19. Practices at the Barry Farms Recreation Center will be held each Monday and Wednesday until May 16 and run from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Games for the U-10 team will be played on Saturdays. Participating students will receive high-level, professional coaching from current and former D.C. United and area college players. The staff includes Judah Cooks, a former D.C. United and University of Maryland player who now is a full-time member of United's youth development staff, Stephen deRoux, a current D.C. United player, Micah Cooks, a former D.C. United player, and Larry Mark, a former American University player currently playing professionally in the United Soccer League. One of last year's coaches, University of Maryland star Maurice Edu, was selected by Toronto FC as the first overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
In 2006, United Soccer Club provided participating students access to ten-week seasons in the spring and fall. The program provided children with an after school outlet in a safe and structured environment. Hosting approximately 90 students from Ward 8's Birney Elementary, Howard Road Academy, and Savoy Elementary schools, the program provided basic soccer instruction and friendly scrimmage matches on Mondays and Wednesdays.
In addition to United Soccer Club, United for D.C. is involved in various other programs benefiting local residents. United Reads supports childhood literacy through partnerships with neighboring elementary schools and local health care centers located in Wards 6, 7 and 8 in the District of Columbia. Through United Reads, United encourages area youth to fall in love with reading while also promoting literacy amongst children and their families. Kicks for Kids provides the game-day experience for thousands of urban, inner-city and under-served youth throughout the Greater Washington, D.C. region each season. Through Kicks for Kids, United for D.C. provides qualified non-profit and other community-based organizations with access to free game tickets, meal vouchers, transportation assistance, t-shirts and promotional items, as well as special behind-the-bench seating and post-game autographs.
For more information on the United Soccer Club, please contact Judah Cooks at jcooks@dcunited.com or by phone at (202) 587-5439.
For more information about any of United for D.C.'s other programs or how interested parties might be involved with the foundation, please contact Sara Rabe at srabe@dcunited.com or by phone at (202) 587-5434.
