MLS D.C. United

United for D.C. Kicks It for the Kids

Published on April 1, 2004 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


CHANTILLY, VA (April 1, 2004) - United for D.C., the charitable arm of D.C. United, announced today changes to the organization's Kicks For Kids program for the 2004 season. In addition to providing free tickets to D.C. United regular season home matches for area youth, the program's benefactors have also enabled United for D.C. to provide meal vouchers for each youth in attendance along with giveaway items and two Kicks for Kids receptions to be held during the 2004 season.

"The Kicks for Kids program has always been a tremendous resource to area non-profit organizations that focus on the traditionally under-served child," said Catherine Marquette, Executive Director of United for D.C. and Community & Fan Relations Director for D.C. United. "This year, more than ever before, Kicks for Kids will positively impact thousands of area disadvantaged youth by providing them with the true ‘game-day experience,' from tickets to meals to promotional items. We're extremely proud of this program and these changes, and are sure that any group associated with it will be too."

Participating agencies receive vouchers redeemable for tickets to a pre-arranged D.C. United match. When they arrive at RFK Stadium with their group, the vouchers are exchanged for a game ticket as well as food vouchers good for a free meal – a hot dog, chips and a soda – for each attendee. In addition, upon check-in, kids will receive a black and red Kicks for Kids pom-pom. Two special Kicks for Kids receptions will be held during 2004, prior to D.C. United's May 15th match against the Kansas City Wizards and United's October 9th match against the New England Revolution. Approximately 200 youth per event will receive a Kicks for Kids t-shirt, a fully catered meal, and a presentation by City Year's DECYDE team.

Also new for 2004 is a special "Nick's Sidekicks" section within the overall Kicks for Kids section. Nick's Sidekicks, supported by D.C. United Goalkeeper Nick Rimando, will work with United for D.C. to designate 18 youth each game who will receive laminated passes good for special front-row seating behind the Nick's Sidekicks banner in Section 123. After the game, Nick's Sidekicks will be treated to a personal visit by Rimando himself, who will autograph each youth's credential and select one lucky child to receive his game-worn gloves.

The 2004 Kicks for Kids program benefits organizations that serve at-risk, disadvantaged or other youth including the Latin American Youth Center, DC SCORES, Children's Hospital, the Joy of Sports Foundation, the Capitol Hill Computer Corner, Payne Elementary School, the Capitol Community Soccer Club and the Columbia Heights Youth Soccer League. The civic-minded corporations and foundations that support the 2004 Kicks for Kids program include: adidas; Aramark; Brotman Winter Fried; The Case Foundation; The Colburn Family Foundation; DC Sports & Entertainment Commission; Esskay Hotdogs; FGM Inc.; GEICO; GMG Services; Guernsey Office Products; Hyundai; Jones Day; Pepsi; and R&R Catering.

As part of their participation in the program, all Kicks for Kids beneficiaries commit to speaking with their youth at least once during the 2004 campaign regarding the dangers of substance us. United for D.C. provides a Program Coordinator manual that all key leaders receive with materials guiding them to conduct such conversations. In addition, substance-free pledge cards go out with each ticket voucher, asking each youth to make his or her individual choice to "just say no" to tobacco, alcohol and drugs.

For more information on the Kicks for Kids program or to submit an application for your group, please log on to www.unitedfordc.org, or contact Catherine Marquette, Executive Director of United for D.C. and D.C. United Director of Community & Fan Relations at (703) 397-5443 or at cmarquette@dcunited.com.

United for D.C., Inc. was founded on January 8th, 2002 as the charitable arm of Major League Soccer's D.C. United. United For D.C. is a 501(c)3 organization chartered to serve the Washington, D.C. community through the creation or support of programs, events and organizations that advance educational and social welfare opportunities (primarily health and recreational) for the area's youth, particularly those who may be economically, physically or mentally disadvantaged.

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Major League Soccer Stories from April 1, 2004


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