D.C. United, Athlete to Atleta donate soccer equipment

May 27, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release

Washington, D.C. (May 27, 2009) - D.C. United announced today it has partnered with Athlete to Atleta to provide soccer equipment to underserved youth in Costa Rica. An event to recognize those who have made the program a success will be held at the Embassy of Costa Rica on Thursday, May 28, at 5:30-7:30 p.m. United rookie Rodney Wallace, who has Costa Rican roots, will attend the event.

The Black & Red have partnered with Athlete to Atleta since 2007 as part of the United Drives initiative and have since sent thousands of items to Costa Rica. Soccer equipment was collected during the month of May last year to benefit Athlete to Atleta, as well as D.C. SCORES and United Soccer Club. This year's soccer equipment drive will be held on July 18.

"We are extremely happy with our partnership with Athlete to Atleta," said United Director of Community Relations, Aprile Pritchet. "I am happy to see that high school students have taken such ownership of the program. We look forward to working with Athlete to Atleta in 2009."

Athlete to Atleta is an anti-gang program created in Northern Virginia. It is designed to encourage high school students and soccer players to donate soccer uniforms, cleats, shin pads, trophies and goals to their countries of origin while providing them a strong connection with their school via an after school activity which they are passionate about - playing soccer. For more information on Athlete to Atleta or how to donate, please visit A-2-A.org.

Broadcasting and P.A. Request: When speaking of the organization, please refer to the team as either "D.C. United" or "United," but not "the D.C. United" or "the United." We appreciate your cooperation.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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