MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Partner to Bring Soccer Program Back to Chester

June 5, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union, in partnership with Chester Upland School District, the City of Chester, Power Home Remodeling, and Adidas, today announced the implementation of boys and girls soccer teams at Chester High School and Middle School to begin in the fall of 2019.

After a 30 year hiatus soccer is returning to the Chester community and the Union's backyard. A new soccer program for both boys and girls Varsity and Junior Varsity teams that will be able to provide over 200 kids with a top quality soccer experience will take effect next school year.

ASSETS FOR MEDIA USE: Video Footage and Photos from Chester Soccer Press Conference at Talen Energy Stadium

"We continue to find ways to give our students the opportunity to excel in their passions, whether it's in the classroom or on a field," said Dr. Juan Baughn, Superintendent of the Chester Upland School District. "Bringing soccer back to the District after a long hiatus is just the latest way we're creating excellence at the Chester Upland School District. This is an exciting time for our young people, and we're so thankful to the Philadelphia Union, our Chester neighbors, for their help in growing our new soccer program."

Fully funded by Philadelphia Union, Union Foundation and Power Home Remodeling, this program will provide new practice fields and game fields, pro-level outfitting by Adidas, coaches, game operations and more to impact over 200 student athletes over the first three years.

"The Philadelphia Union Foundation is dedicated to the families and youth of Chester," said Hayes Hunt, Chairman, Union Foundation. "As such, the Foundation is extremely proud to support and fund soccer programs for the young women and men of Chester High School. The owners and leaders of the Philadelphia Union have generously contributed to the Foundation with the goal of establishing a first-class soccer team and related facilities for Chester HS. We look forward to this great partnership with the Chester Upland School District."

"Power Home Remodeling is proud to be part of the team that is bringing soccer to our community through this high school and middle school program," said Asher Raphael, Co-CEO of Power Home Remodeling. "Soccer has touched my life personally and professionally in profound ways, so I am excited to see the impact it has on these students, their families and the community as a whole."

The program will start with boys and girls Junior Varsity teams at the high school level and a pair of middle school teams and will expand to include Varsity teams during the 2020-2021 academic year. In addition to hosting the matches at their home fields at the STEM Academy at Showalter, the teams will also have the opportunity to play select games at Talen Energy Stadium.

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