The U.S. Soccer Foundation says its Soccer for Success program teaches kids healthy habits and life skills.
Photo by: U.S. Soccer Foundation
Girls practice footwork as part of the Soccer for Success program in Washington, D.C.
Photo by: U.S. Soccer Foundation
Trinity Health is investing $500,000 in a U.S. Soccer Foundation program that teaches the fundamentals of soccer to children in underserved communities, while helping them establish healthy habits and develop life skills.
Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health's investment, announced Sept. 15, will allow for the expansion of the foundation's existing Soccer for Success program. Trinity Health said in a statement the investment is part of the system's Transforming Communities Initiative, which is focused on combatting obesity and tobacco use because these are among the leading drivers of preventable chronic disease and high health costs in the country. Soccer for Success addresses other issues, such as working to prevent juvenile delinquency.
The program typically runs three days a week for at least 24 weeks during the academic year. Coach mentors encourage kids to be physically active and provide education on nutrition and healthy lifestyle as part of the program.
Community organizations in select communities across Trinity Health's network can apply for a grant to implement the program. More information about the grant process is available at ussoccerfoundation.org/grants/trinity-health.