Sept. 15, 2005
Columbia, S.C. –
The University of South Carolina will join millions of Americans this September in celebrating Youth Soccer Month. USC will stage its celebration this weekend as the Gamecock men’s team hosts the adidas/South Carolina Gamecock Classic on Friday and Sunday at Eugene Stone III Stadium. The celebration kicks off on Friday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. when USC plays Penn. Carolina will also meet Loyola-Chicago, Sept. 18, at 3:30 p.m. The Gamecock women’s team takes on Miami (Fla.) at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18.
As a part of the festivities, both Gamecock teams will sign autographs on the concourse following their respective matches on Sunday. The Special Olympics will play at halftime of the USC women’s match on Sunday as well.
Fans are invited to stop by the Youth Soccer Month table, which will be located on the concourse for giveaways and to pick up Youth Soccer Month WebDecoders for a chance to win great prizes, including a trip to the 2005 MLS Cup in Frisco, Texas.
Youth Soccer Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of playing Youth Soccer in America. The University of South Carolina is proud to support this effort and further the goals of Youth Soccer Month:
1. Emphasize soccer as the number one youth participation sport in America and a leading contributor to the healthy lifestyle of millions of American families.
2. Bring kids and families of all ages and all abilities together for fun, friendship and fitness.
3. Highlight the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including inner city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs.
Throughout Youth Soccer Month a series of messages and themes will be communicated to illustrate the essence of youth soccer. Each week during Youth Soccer Month a different key will be the focus of “Celebrating Soccer in America.” The four pillars of Youth Soccer month are:
– Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.
– Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.
– Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.
– Friendship: The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.
Interest in the sport of soccer is at its highest levels ever in the United States, with more than 19 million children ages 5-19, participating regularly. In fact, more children are participating in organized soccer than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball.
Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America’s families, US Youth Soccer, the nation’s largest youth sports organization is spearheading Youth Soccer Month – Celebrating Soccer in America, this September.
For more information on Youth Soccer Month visit www.YouthSoccerMonth.org.
