WHO:
Los Angeles Galaxy Midfielder Marcelo Saragosa, Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman and USSF Region IV Coach Ralph Perez will provide children from LA SCORES and OCA International programs an opportunity to strengthen their soccer skills by conducting a free clinic as part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Program and the LA Galaxy's Clinic Series. These local children will have the opportunity to take on the players one-on-one as they demonstrate winning techniques. The clinic will not only enhance soccer skills, but will also encourage teamwork and help to improve leadership skills.
WHAT: The U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Program, presented by Western Union, is a grassroots initiative designed to assist disadvantaged community organizations and their soccer players by contributing donated soccer equipment. Through its Major League Soccer (MLS) Passback Challenge, the program collects new and gently used apparel and equipment from MLS fans throughout the season and donates the items to local groups in need.
At the event, Western Union and will make a formal announcement regarding their continuing corporate support of the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Program. Additionally, the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), headquartered in Hawthorne, CA, will donate 3,000+ decorated jerseys to the Passback Program. The jerseys will go to the Los Angeles Galaxy, two-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Foundation's Team Humanitarian of the Year Award, who will distribute them to needy children in their hometown.
WHEN: Thursday, April 20, 2006
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Griffith Park (soccer field is adjacent to Park)
3401 Riverside Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
About Western Union Financial Services Inc. and First Data
Western Union Financial Services Inc., a subsidiary of First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC), is an international leader in consumer money transfer services. Western Union, together with Orlandi Valuta and Vigo, make up one of the world's largest money transfer networks with approximately 271,000 Agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.
First Data Corp. (NYSE: FDC) is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses and consumers worldwide. Serving 4.6 million merchant locations, 1,500 financial institutions and millions of consumers, First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes credit, debit, private-label, gift and other prepaid card issuing and merchant transaction processing services; money transfer services; money orders; fraud protection and authentication solutions; check guarantee and verification services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile solutions. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at approximately 1.9 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.
About The U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation was established in 1994 to manage the surplus funds generated by the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States. Under the guidance of its Board of Directors, the Foundation has taken a leading role in supporting the continuous development of the sport at all levels. Over $40 million in grants, financial support and loans have been made to help develop a soccer nation. The Foundation has provided more than 387 grants focused on developing players, coaches and referees and building or enhancing fields and soccer complexes, with a special emphasis on the economically disadvantaged in urban areas. For more information, or to donate online, please visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org.
