City of Boston awarded $30k grant by U.S. Soccer Foundation

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the national model in sports-based youth development in underserved communities.  The grant will fund soccer programming in City of Boston parks.  The Boston Parks and Recreation Department was one of 24 organizations nationwide to receive a grant.

“With funding from the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be able to dramatically increase the scope of our soccer programs,” Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook noted.  “This grant enables us to attract more participants from a large untapped population of at-risk youth by increasing participant capacity, adding more locations across the city, and offering these programs on a year-round basis.” 

The Parks Department’s soccer offerings consist of four key programs:  Boston Neighborhood Soccer League (BNSL), Seasonal Developmental Clinics, the Mayor’s Cup Tournament, and instruction offered at multi-discipline Summer Sports Centers.  The goal is to ensure all Boston’s youth has access to free, quality sports programs in neighborhoods throughout the city.  The Department plans to build upon and expand current soccer offerings to include more year-round leagues and skill clinic series.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants to programs and projects that share their belief that the game of soccer breaks down barriers for children to live healthier, more secure, and confident lives.  These programs will improve the physical fitness level of Boston children while building teamwork and a sense of community in a safe environment.

“The U.S. Soccer Foundation is thrilled for the grant recipients,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Through sports-based youth development, these organizations provide a structured environment that instills self-discipline, builds self-confidence, encourages a healthy and active lifestyle and fosters quality relationships.”

Since its inception in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants to non-profit organizations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s grant process is provided by the Foundation’s corporate partners, including Hellas Construction, Kwik Goal, Hunter Industries, Musco Sports Lighting, Soccer.com, and Sport Court.