FRISCO, Texas --
The Chicago Fire and Major League Soccer have today the 2008 schedule for Verano MLS presented by Tang. In its second edition, Verano MLS presented by Tang, a free summer soccer program, will be offered by MLS teams FC Dallas, Chivas USA, Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo and Kansas City Wizards in their home markets.
One of League's successful Hispanic grassroots programs, Verano MLS presented by Tang provides youth ages 8-12 a free opportunity to play pick-up-style soccer twice a week in a safe and controlled environment. Working closely with select MLS teams, the four to six week summer program will provide a weekly soccer playing destination, while creating a connection between youth soccer players and their favorite MLS stars. Up to 200 youth will participate in Verano MLS in each market and they will be selected by the participating MLS team.
"Verano MLS returns to offer first-hand professional training in a summer camp setting for upcoming soccer players," said Neel Shah, Major League Soccer's Director of Fan Development. "Whether they call it football, futbol or soccer, MLS is proud to provide yet another opportunity for the youth playing the game in the U.S. to have a unique experience while creating a connection with their local MLS team."
In addition to free soccer training, participants will receive a Verano MLS adidas soccer ball, a Verano MLS adidas t-shirt and an opportunity to meet MLS players and coaches. Each participating Verano MLS team will host a special Verano MLS Family Night during a home game. In addition to a complimentary game ticket for participants and their families, Verano MLS Family Night attendees will receive on-field access and will get an opportunity to sit in a special section in the stadium dedicated to Verano MLS participants.
Each market will have two full-time MLS affiliated coaches who will be present for the entire program. In addition, a minimum of five support coaches will be used to provide additional instruction and guidance. Support coaches will consist of players from MLS Developmental rosters, as well as from the MLS Under-23 and MLS Under-19 rosters.
Verano MLS is part of the successful MLS Hispanic grassroots lineup that includes MLS Futbolito, the League's official 4-v-4 soccer tournament, and Sueño MLS, a month-long tryout that drove significant media attention while creating the opportunity for players to earn a spot on MLS teams.
Specific market by market Verano MLS presented by Tang event details are as follows:
2008 Verano MLS presented by Tang Schedule
FC Dallas
Location: McInnish & R.E. Good Park (2335 Sandy Lake Rd., Carrollton, TX 75006)
Dates: July 1, 3, 8, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm each clinic date
Chivas USA
Location: Bell Gardens Sports Complex (8000 Park Lane, Bell Gardens, CA, 90201)
Dates: June 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 (First Group)
July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 (Second Group)
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm each clinic date
Kansas City Wizards
Location: Swope Park (6310 Lewis Road, Kansas City, MO, 64132)
Dates: June 24, 26, July 1, 3, 8,10,15,17
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm each clinic date
Houston Dynamo
Location: Melrose Park (12200 Melrose Park Rd., Houston, TX)
Dates: July 1, 3, 8, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am each clinic date
Chicago Fire
Location: Toyota Park (7000 S. Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, IL 60455
Dates: July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
Time: 12:00pm - 2:00pm each clinic date
