Sky Blue Soccer teams up with Soccer Without Borders
Sky Blue Soccer announced today a partnership with Soccer Without Borders (SWB), a non-profit organization that combines soccer instruction and life skills education to under-served areas.
To kick off the partnership, Sky Blue Soccer will be hosting "Soccer Without Borders Night" at Jersey Sky Blue's upcoming W-League home match on Wednesday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Ranger Stadium on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ. All fans are encouraged to bring new or used soccer equipment to donate to Soccer Without Borders. Any fan making a donation will receive a Sky Blue bracelet.
"Sky Blue is proud to have the opportunity to partner with such a beneficial organization," said Sky Blue Soccer CEO & President Thomas Hofstetter. "Soccer Without Borders touches lives across the globe and we're happy to help their mission to empower girls around the world through soccer."
Jersey Sky Blue player Daniela Molina was responsible for bringing together Sky Blue Soccer and Soccer Without Borders. The former Lehigh University standout and member of the Colombian Women's National Team volunteered with SWB in the winter of 2008 when the group traveled to Granada, Nicaragua. In Granada, SWB's volunteers taught physical education classes, conducted open practice sessions, and held a week-long camp and coaches clinic. Molina also helped host a city-wide tournament for high school players, coached Granada's premier women's team, and worked with the Nicaragua Under-20 Women's National Team.
"We are really excited to partner with Sky Blue as our Soccer Without Borders Girl's Program continues to grow," said Mary McVeigh, SWB's Granada Girls Program Founder. "Women around the world lack access to basic sporting opportunities and the developmental benefits that go along with them, something we hope to change one girl and one community at a time."
"Daniela Molina and the rest of the Sky Blue players are important role models in women's soccer, and their emphasis on youth development domestically is quickly becoming apparent. This partnership looks beyond the local, reflecting a far-reaching commitment to the progress of girl's sport development all over the world."
Sky Blue Soccer will develop the relationship with Soccer Without Borders while preparing for the launch of Women's Professional Soccer in 2009. Sky Blue will assist in raising awareness and funds for the organization while encouraging fans to donate equipment at home games.
About Soccer Without Borders
Soccer Without Borders' mission is to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. SWB is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, CA, USA working locally and internationally to help young people develop their bodies, voices and minds. SWB uses soccer as a tool for youth development. Working with community based organizations in under-served areas, the Soccer Without Borders program combines soccer instruction and life skills education. These activities help young people come into a greater understanding of their bodies, voices, minds and communities, and encourage them to make healthy choices for their futures. SWB builds sustainable programs by providing the necessary resources, structures and support for local actors to continue running educational activities.
Website: www.soccerwithoutborders.org