Timbers, City of Portland and adidas Announce 2012 Field Grant

A grant of $25,000 was awarded to Hacienda Community Development Corporation, while Friends of Grant Athletics received a $10,000 grant. The Forest Heights Soccer Club Field Improvement Team received a $20,000 grant from the Timbers and an additional $20,000 grant from adidas.

"Community outreach is one of the cornerstones of our club's mission," said Portland Timbers President Merritt Paulson. "Through these field grants, we continue our commitment to increasing access to soccer for youth around the city."

The Timbers, in partnership with the city of Portland and adidas, have annually awarded $50,000 or more in grants towards local field projects and refurbishments, including contributions from adidas' "Wins for the Community" initiative. Since the program's start in 2010, $195,000 in grants have been awarded to field projects to benefit local communities.

"All of Portland's young people deserve great places to play and grow," said Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. "We are delighted to partner with the Timbers and adidas, who every day prove their commitment to this shared goal."

"adidas knows it's important that we support the game of soccer at every level - from the World Cup, to MLS, to local club teams," said Antonio Zea, director of soccer for adidas America. "These grants help take accessibility to the sport to an even greater level, by encouraging kids to come together in their community."

Hacienda Community Development Corporation will apply its grant towards the construction of a futsal field in Portland's Cully neighborhood. Hacienda CDC develops affordable housing and builds thriving communities in support of working Latino families and others in Oregon by promoting healthy living and economic advancement.

The grants awarded to the Forest Heights Soccer Club Field Improvement Team will help fund a micro-turf pitch adjacent to Forest Park Elementary School in Portland for use by the students and surrounding community.

Friends of Grant Athletics received a grant to help fund a new full-size turf soccer field and a smaller grass field for use by both the school and community.

The awarding of field grants is one of the significant philanthropic initiatives of the Timbers' community outreach platform, Stand Together. The mission of Stand Together is to harness the power of sport to improve the lives of children and families in the region through targeted programs, deep partnerships and philanthropic giving.

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