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MLS D.C. United

D.C. United, United for D.C. Impact Community

January 9, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 9, 2006) - In commemorating United for D.C.'s fourth anniversary, D.C. United announced today that 2005 was the most successful year of Washington-area community service in the team's decade-long history of giving. The club and its charitable arm, United for D.C., combine to create, administer and partner with a variety of programs benefiting those in need living in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area.

Through its community relations department, D.C. United has worked to promote positive change for those in need throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area for more than 10 years. During that time, D.C. United has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of tickets, merchandise, autographed items and soccer equipment to non-profit programs and other community organizations. The club also coordinates hundreds of D.C. United player appearances each year, ranging from signing autographs to running clinics to supporting local community programs, schools and hospitals.

By establishing United for D.C. on January 8, 2002, the team was able to focus more specifically on the needs of disadvantaged youth, particularly those living in Wards 6, 7 and 8 of the District of Columbia. The newly-formed foundation identified clear areas needing assistance and developed initiatives targeting literacy and education (United Reads), structured recreational activities for youth and families (Kicks for Kids) and financial assistance for existing inner city soccer programs (United Community Grants).

"We are committed to making the most of our ability to work with community leaders and citizens of Washington, D.C. to provide, most importantly, opportunities for children in our surrounding neighborhoods, by combining the game of soccer and ongoing education programs such as United Reads," said Kevin Payne, President and Chief Executive Officer for D.C. United and founding board member of United for D.C. "We consider Washington, D.C. our home and could not be happier to celebrate our most successful community efforts to date right here in the Nation's Capital."

Last year, United for D.C., a 501(c)(3) organization, reached more than 15,000 youth through its three signature programs, donating more than $200,000 in cash and other resources to local community groups and public schools, and inviting thousands of children and their families to attend home games. The foundation also began working with partners in communities East of the River, including DC SCORES, D.C. Parks and Recreation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, to expand soccer playing opportunities to children living there. In addition, United for D.C. established a fourth program (United Soccer League) scheduled to begin play at Barry Farm in the spring of 2006. Former D.C. United defender Judah Cooks was hired to serve as a special projects coordinator and will assist with plans to expand the program to other sites and locations in Ward 8.

"United for D.C. is proud of the progressive steps we have taken to make positive changes for disadvantaged youth in our community," said Catherine Marquette, Community Relations Director for D.C. United and Executive Director of United for D.C. "The creation of the United Soccer League will develop valuable athletic, team-building and self-confidence skills for East of the River youth, and we are proud to spearhead this community project."

D.C. United also maintained programs that achieved notable success in 2005. The club's charitable drives campaign (United Drives) collected and donated more than 4,000 items, such as toys, children's books, canned food, toiletries, school supplies, soccer equipment and winter clothing. More than 200 area elementary and middle schools followed the team's travels throughout the season (Soccer Geography), thousands of fans registered as designated drivers on game days (Good Sport), and the team's players and front office staff donated hundreds of volunteer hours to worthy initiatives, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Earth Conservation Corps (United Builds).

While the club and its charitable foundation are proud of their history of giving, in particular the great successes reached in 2005, D.C. United and United for D.C. are looking forward to implementing plans to expand current programming in addition to partnering with more community-minded organizations to further impact those in need. Those interested in joining forces with the club and foundation in order to make a difference are encouraged to contact Catherine Marquette at 202-587-5443 or cmarquette@dcunited.com .

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 9, 2006


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