Battery to aid US Soccer Foundation
Carolina Challenge Cup to help raise funds for Soccer United Recovery Fund
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
CHARLESTON, SC -- The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, today announced a community partnership with the USL First Division Charleston Battery, who have agreed to promote the Soccer United Recovery Fund (the Recovery Fund) during the upcoming Carolina Challenge Cup Tournament which the team hosts in Charleston.
 “We appreciate the generosity of the Battery team and management, who have agreed to help increase awareness during the tournament of the Soccer United Recovery Fund”, said John Koskinen, President of the Soccer Foundation. “100% of funds raised during the tournament from contributions as well as the sale of Recovery Fund t-shirts will go directly to soccer clubs and teams in the Gulf States to help rebuild soccer in that region.”
“We’re excited to be able to help raise awareness for the Soccer United Recovery Fund; the fact that the Charleston Battery is located in a city and in a part of the country that has seen its share of hurricanes over the years helps us appreciate the dangers and the severity of these storms,” said Andrew Bell, Director of Soccer & Stadium Operations for the Charleston Battery. “We’re glad to help out in any way we can.”
The Recovery Fund, established in partnership with Eurosport, is being managed by the Foundation and used to help rebuild soccer programs in Gulf Coast communities affected by hurricanes. The Foundation has already purchased and delivered over $100,000 of equipment to clubs throughout the Gulf Coast areas devastated by last Fall’s hurricanes, but there is still much work to be done.
Recovery Fund gear can be purchased and donations can be made online at: soccerunitedrecoveryfund.org. Those interested in applying for assistance can do so at: ussoccerfoundation.org.
The Charleston Battery will host the third annual Carolina Challenge Cup March 18 – 25 at Blackbaud Stadium, Daniel Island, South Carolina. The 2006 pre-season tournament will feature 2004 MLS Cup Champions DC United, Major League Soccer's Red-Bull New York, the Houston Dynamo and the USL First Division Charleston Battery. DC United's 16-year old soccer sensation Freddy Adu is expected to make a return visit to the tournament. Tickets are on sale now priced at $15 – $25; discounts are available for series tickets (includes all 6 games) and for 2006 Charleston Battery season ticket holders.
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 380 grants focused on developing players, coaches and referees and building or enhancing fields and soccer complexes, with a special emphasis on economically disadvantaged urban areas. For more information, or to donate online, please visit: ussoccerfoundation.org.
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