HOLA Receives Grant from U.S. Soccer Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lee Schube lschube@heartofla.org (213) 389-1148, ext. 232

Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) Receives U.S. Soccer Foundation Grant Los Angeles, CA – The U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded a grant to Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) to support HOLA’s Soccer Program. The $10,000 grant will provide urgently needed equipment and will provide the funds for a summer weekend tournament for 160 high school youth. The tournament will be held on HOLA’s state-of-the-art field-turf soccer field in Lafayette Park, which is located across the street from HOLA’s main facility.

On February 3, 2012 the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, awarded sixty grants totaling $2.4 million to non-profit organizations serving youth in urban, underserved areas in twenty states across the nation. Since being established in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded more than $55 million to non-profit organizations in all 50 states.

Through the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s 2012 Annual Grants program, the Foundation strives to continue its mission of enhancing and growing the sport of soccer as well as improving the well-being of children in underserved areas. Grant awards support the programming and equipment needs of non-profit organizations that provide children with the opportunity to play soccer and live a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to providing grants to support soccer programs, the U.S. Soccer Foundation awarded eighteen Synthetic Field Building grants to develop new FieldTurf soccer fields around the country. Supported by adidas, FieldTurf and MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach program, the Synthetic Field Building program provides safe places for children to play in at-risk communities.

“We are so thrilled to be partnering with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Our summer tournament offers high school students positive activities during the critical months that they are out of school. This support is vital to keeping the kids in our neighborhood off of the streets.”

“The U.S. Soccer Foundation is honored to support initiatives that give children in underserved urban communities access to soccer programs that encourage positive physical and social development,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “All children should have the opportunity to be involved with programs that promote active, healthy lifestyles and that provide an alternative to the many negative influences children face today.”

Support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Annual Grants program is provided by the Foundation’s Corporate Partners’ Council, a cohort of soccer industry leaders including Eurosport, FieldTurf, Hunter Industries, Musco Sports Lighting, PEVO Sports and Sport Court.

About HOLA HOLA’s after-school programs have made a vital difference to students 6-19 years old, attending overburdened schools in the Rampart District and surrounding neighborhoods who lack access to quality enrichment programming and academic assistance. HOLA’s youth development programming is designed to inspire students and reignite their interest in learning, and is unique in the quality of instruction and individual attention provided for each student. HOLA provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. For over 20 years, HOLA has helped young people reach their potential, rather than succumb to the lures of gang life, drugs and juvenile delinquency.

About HOLA’s Athletics Programs HOLA is the co-founder of the Central City Athletic Association (CCAA), which provides soccer and basketball leagues for youth located throughout Los Angeles. Through the CCAA, HOLA provides young athletes who do not otherwise have access to team sports with the opportunity to participate in organized sports, with quality instruction and an opportunity to showcase their skills. Each year over 1,000 boys and girls, ages 6-19, participate in leagues sponsored by the CCAA. In addition to the CCAA, HOLA offers elementary, middle and high school youth an extensive recreation and sports program. Students can participate in exercise, fitness and dance classes, learn about nutrition/ healthy cooking, and learn and play a variety of sports, including flag football, swimming, tennis, soccer, and basketball.

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation The U.S. Soccer Foundation is the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States. Established in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has invested more than $55 million in all 50 states. The U.S. Soccer Foundation supports programs and field building projects that provide underserved youth in urban communities with opportunities that promote positive behavior, healthy lifestyles, self-confidence and positive alternatives to drugs, crime and other at-risk behaviors.

For additional information, please contact HOLA’s Communication Director, Lee Schube at (213) 389-1148 or lschube@heartofla.org, and/or visit the website at www.heartofla.org.

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