US Soccer Foundation Awards Grant to Genesee Region

The US Soccer Foundation has awarded a grant to Special Olympics Genesee Region for $7500. The grant is in three parts. $750 in credit is available from Kwik Goal. $5750 in credit for equipment is in an account at Eurosport. $1,000 in cash will be forthcoming for funding for facility usage and training venues.
The top three goals enabling Special Olympics to receive funding for the soccer program where to provide safety equipment for athletes competing in soccer, to provide soccer equipment to athletes who come from disadvantaged areas and to provide funding for facility rental for training and competition in the Genesee Region.
In awarding the grant, the US Soccer Foundation announced that 37 groups were beneficiaries, including 8 all conditions field grants. The Field grants provide funds for the construction of full-size soccer fields that can be used around the clock, in fair weather or foul. In all, the Foundation made more than $1.3 million dollars available to the groups. Since 1995 the organization has made over $38 million available for the growth of the game of soccer through grants and other financial support. Twenty-seven different states were the recipients of funding this year. The US Soccer Foundation is the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States. It was established in 1994 to manage the surplus funds generated by the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States. The foundation focuses on player development activities, new field and stadium construction, and supporting special initiatives which focus on the economically disadvantaged in urban areas.
According to Director of Program, Steve Fuller, “the grant will enhance the soccer program in the Genesee Region and open up the sport to athletes who were not able to participate because they lacked the proper safety equipment. It provides funding for soccer balls, cleats, nets, goalie helmets, equipment bags, shin guards and a set of soccer goals. The funding and equipment will enhance the ability of the region to train more coaches in the sport who will engage new athletes in training and competition.