MIAMI, FL – The Children's Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, along with other community stakeholders, will hold a news conference on Wednesday, May 17, 3:30 p.m., at Hadley Park, 1300 NW 50th Street, Miami, FL 33142, to formally announce a partnership bringing soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is an evidence-based, health-centered, out-of-school mentoring model designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families. The program will serve children in grades K-8.
Implemented around four key components for positive health and youth development – physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement – each SfS session typically meets three times a week for 75-90 minutes, and includes at least one hour of moderate physical activity. The program is facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources, throughout its duration.
"This is a one-of-a-kind program that tackles childhood obesity in a way that results in long-term positive effects for the whole family," says Trust President and CEO James R. Haj. "Through it we're bringing youth soccer to neighborhoods where it either doesn't exist or exists solely as a pay-to-play option. Soccer for Success Miami is the culmination of many months of hard work, collaboration and commitment."
In addition to The Children's Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of North Miami and the City of Miami, the latter made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon. Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami's launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
"Soccer can transform the lives of children by promoting physical activity and fostering the growth of critical life skills," says U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon. "I'm excited to kick off the expansion of Soccer for Success in Miami so that more children will have access to the game and can reap its many benefits."
On-site interviews and photo ops available; please contact Sandra Camacho at The Children's Trust for details regarding media parking for passenger vehicles and satellite vans.
About The Children's Trust
The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County. Join us on Facebook (fb.com/thechildrenstrust), Twitter (@childrenstrust) and Instagram (@thechildrenstrust).
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is committed to helping young people embrace an active and healthy lifestyle, using soccer to cultivate critical life skills that pave the way to a better future. Learn more at www.ussoccerfoundation.org.
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Media Contact:
Natalia Zea
Chief Public Policy & Community Engagement Officer, The Children’s Trust
natalia@thechildrenstrust.org