Soccer unites

Professionals, youth leagues, governing bodies, leaders start Sept. 11 relief fund

SURF puts soccer resources into a single effort to benefit WTC disaster relief. Hulton Archive/Allsport

WASHINGTON (Friday, September 28, 2001) -- Leaders of the American soccer community announced a far-reaching, industry-wide initiative to raise funds for the relief, recovery and rebuilding due to the tragedies of September 11 in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

The Soccer United Relief Fund (SURF) is a national campaign combining the efforts and resources of the vast United States soccer community in a single relief effort.

All donations collected, all net proceeds generated from the sale of SURF merchandise and net proceeds from SURF charity matches will go toward the Soccer United Relief Fund.

The United States Soccer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enhance, assist and grow the sport of soccer in the United States, will oversee SURF and facilitate contributions to selected non-profit organizations that support the relief and rescue efforts in the United States.

"The U.S. Soccer Foundation joins the soccer community in supporting the disaster relief efforts taking place in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania," said Herbert V. Giobbi, executive director of the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

"In times like these, the significance of the cause clearly transcends our standard soccer-specific priorities, thus commanding our absolute involvement in the Soccer United Relief Fund. Our hope is that the leadership of the soccer industry will encourage strong participation by the grassroots level for this most worthwhile endeavor."

Fans and soccer organizations are encouraged to become involved in a variety of ways.

Contributions can be made by making a monetary donation to the Soccer United Relief Fund, purchasing "Soccer United" merchandise, and/or by attending exhibition matches in support of the "Soccer United" initiative.

Individual, matching donations

Envelope collections will be made at participating soccer matches, tournaments and other major soccer gatherings (i.e.: meetings and conventions.)

Additionally, participating organizations will be making individual announcements regarding match programs in the near future. Donations can also directly be made online ($25 and above) at www.soccerunitedrelieffund.com beginning Thursday, September 27, or to:

Soccer United Relief Fund
c/o United States Soccer Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 96444
Washington, DC 20077-7391

Merchandise sales

All net proceeds will be donated to the Soccer United Relief Fund. In addition to the fundraising initiatives, professional and amateur teams are invited to take part in the SURF National Commemorative Patch Program by wearing a unifying patch on team uniforms, and/or displaying it on team equipment and/or at events.

The patch is the symbol for the campaign and features the Statue of Liberty prevailing on a background of the United States' stars and stripes symbolizing strength, unity, hope and global freedom.

Exhibition matches

• October 8: National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Game (Oneonta, NY) 1:00 p.m. ET., Washington Freedom vs. Boston Breakers (WUSA).
• October 28: Unity Games, Giants Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ). 4:00 p.m. ET, Washington Freedom vs. New York Power (WUSA); 6:00 p.m. ET, D.C. United vs. MetroStars (MLS).
• November 3: Unity Games, RFK Stadium (Washington, DC). 5:00 p.m. ET, New York Power vs. Washington Freedom (WUSA); 7:00 p.m. ET, MetroStars vs. D.C. United (MLS).

Contributing and participating partners joining the SURF efforts include: adidas USA, American Needle, Inc., atlética, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), Eurosport, Firefly Designs, Inc., Kappa USA, Kwik Goal, Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL), Major League Soccer (MLS), National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), National Soccer Hall of Fame, Nike, Patchworks Company, Professional Soccer Reporters Association (PSRA), Puma, Soccer America, Soccer Jr., Sport Pin International, Umbro, United Soccer Leagues (USL), United States Soccer Federation (USSF), United States Soccer Foundation, U.S. Club Soccer, Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) and World Indoor Soccer League (WISL).

For more information on how a specific organization is getting involved, please refer to their respective media contact.

AYSO, David Brown (310) 643-6455
Eurosport and Soccer.com, Jim Noonan (919) 644-6800 x1128
Major Indoor Soccer League, Greg Bibb (203) 222-4900 x15
Major League Soccer, Catherine Philbin (212) 450-1266
NSCAA, Craig Bohnert (800) 458-0678
National Soccer Hall of Fame, Jill Renwick (607) 432-3351
United Soccer Leagues, Gerald Barnhart (813) 963-3909
U.S. Club Soccer, Bill Sage (847) 869-1196
U.S. Soccer Federation, Jim Moorhouse (312) 528-1420
U.S. Soccer Foundation, Jim Trecker (201) 262-5561
World Indoor Soccer League, Sara Griffith (972) 250-0873
Women's United Soccer Association, Shaun May (212) 869-8558

Quotes from selected soccer industry leaders

Cherie Tucker, National Executive Director, American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
"The September 11 attack struck a blow at each and every one of us. The soccer family stands united and ready to support the victims and their families. AYSO is proud to be a part of that effort."

Mike Moylan, CEO and president, Eurosport
"The Soccer United Relief Fund is an opportunity for the American soccer family as a whole to show its support and stand behind a single cause that benefits the victims of the recent tragedy. The commemorative patch program is a thoughtful and simple way for players, coaches and fans to show their support every time they gather at a soccer field."

Steve Ryan, Commissioner, Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
"The Major Indoor Soccer League is proud to join the American soccer community in support of those affected by the tragic events of September 11. The patch that our players and officials will wear during the 2001-02 season will affirm America's united fight against terrorism while serving as a remembrance of those we have lost."

Don Garber, Commissioner, Major League Soccer(MLS)
"We encourage soccer fans, families, coaches and players to join efforts in support of the Soccer United Relief Fund. By coming together we will reinforce our support for the victims of these tragedies and demonstrate the unifying and patriotic spirit of the American soccer community."

Jim Thieser, President, National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)
"As our nation unites in this trying time, it's fitting that the American soccer community also unites to respond to this challenge. On behalf of more than 15,000 NSCAA members, we're proud to be part of that effort."

Will Lunn, President, National Soccer Hall of Fame
"We are anxious to do whatever we can to help this important effort and are proud to be a part of the soccer organizations who have united for this cause. Soccer is known throughout the world for crossing all boundaries and it's important for soccer community to support others in need during this time."

Bill Sage, Executive Director and CEO, U.S. Club Soccer
"Above all, soccer is a game of passion. The SURF initiative allows the entire soccer community to channel its passion and dedication in a way that benefits those directly affected by our recent national tragedies. U.S. Club Soccer, which represents the many elite soccer clubs in this country, is proud to be a part of this important effort."

Dan Flynn, Secretary General, U.S. Soccer Federation
"This is about helping and assisting the relief effort for those affected personally by the events of September 11. It's as simple as that."

Dave Askinas, Associate Commissioner, United Soccer Leagues (USL)
"Soccer is the ultimate melting-pot sport that has for many years brought together Americans of different ethnic backgrounds. It is thus appropriate that the American soccer community unite again to support the Soccer United Relief Fund and demonstrate to the world the strength of a free people working together."

Steven Powell, Chief Operating Officer, World Indoor Soccer League (WISL)
"The World Indoor Soccer League is pleased to participate in the Soccer United Relief Fund. The SURF program is a phenomenal example of how effective a united sports community can be in addressing such a tragedy."

http://www.soccerunitedrelieffund.com