Power Maintains High Profile In the Community
Published on November 20, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
New York Power News Release
New York, NY - The New York Power have maintained a high profile with their busy off season schedule, making over 370 appearances to support their grassroots efforts. On an average, the Power have made over 1.2 appearances per day, with June being the busiest month with 63 appearances.
Visiting local soccer clubs and leagues accounted for nearly half of the appearances (48%) followed by visits to corporations/organizations, schools and charities. The Power made the most appearances in Nassau County (38%) followed by Suffolk County (26%), New York City (19%), Westchester (8%), New Jersey (6%) and Connecticut (2%).
"I think that our league is so different in the sense of how we get out into the community and interact with fans to do clinics or autograph signings," stated Power midfielder Emily Janss who made over 20 appearances. "The way the WUSA is set up is that we, unlike other pro leagues, are very accessible to our fans and the community. These grassroots appearances end up being very beneficial for both the fans and us players, because we get to thank our fans for supporting us and they get to see pro athletes up close and personal."
In addition to general appearances, such as award shows, celebrity events, soccer tournaments, charity fundraisers and corporate functions, Power management created some unique ideas to further the reaches of the grassroots department by creating the Power Education Partnership (PEP Program), "Power Trips" and Adopt-A-Team Program. Here's a brief look at the programs implemented in 2002:
· Power Education Partnership Program (PEP Program) - Assist with class instruction, enrich school assemblies, visit with school sports teams and gym classes, raise school spirit, and/or support existing programs in reading, value clarification, sportsmanship, fitness and health education.
· "Power Trip" - Surprise visit to a local youth soccer team practice. Several players lead practice, sign autographs and answer questions.
· Adopt-A-Team - Coaches register their team on-line for the adopt-a-team lottery. Winning teams were assigned an "adopted" player and that player visited one practice and one game.
"Our players not only welcome the opportunity to participate in these programs, they often initiate it. It is this passion to interact that forges relationships with our fans," commented Power General Manager Susan Marenoff.
Power forward Tammy Pearman added, "It was so much fun to get a chance to talk to our fans and give back to the community with the PEP Program. Going to these schools and meeting all these children is the icing on the cake to playing professional sports."
For 2003, the Power are planning even more events in the community, with the launching of the "Power Patrol" an interactive, soccer-themed mobile tour that will reach an additional 200 events in the tri-state area.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from November 20, 2002
- Power Maintains High Profile In the Community - New York Power
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