Help Raise Funds with Soccer Kicks for Cancer

US Youth Soccer partners with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to Kick Cancer

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) recently unveiled its new youth soccer program, Soccer Kicks for Cancer, which teaches children the value of community and sharpens their soccer skills while raising funds to help find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.  The program, a partnership between the Society, US Youth Soccer and the U.S. National Soccer Team Players Association, is recruiting youth soccer coaches and players in several areas to participate in a program this spring. 

This program is being launched through Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association, Pennsylvania West State Soccer Association and United States Youth Soccer Nevada, but the LLS hopes to roll it out in every Major League Soccer market in the coming months. US Youth Soccer and the U.S. National Team Soccer Players are behind this effort to raise money to fight the disease.

"We believe this is a great program to get youth teams involved in the cause, and US Youth Soccer is happy to play a part, said David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer.  

For coaches who register their team, the LLS will send a free soccer video, available only through the program, featuring instructions from the pros like former US Youth Soccer and U.S. National Team greats Tab Ramos and John Harkes on how to improve your players' skills.

Participating players will get a free inspiration wrist band if you or your team sign up, and you'll qualify to earn cool soccer stuff like flap fixers, training balls and a U.S. National Team signed ball. The program is open to US Youth Soccer coaches and players, with registration taking place during March 2004. The fundraising program will take place for three weeks during in spring.

Proceeds will go to further the Society's mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. This mission is carried out through funding leading-edge medical research, patient assistance programs, community outreach and education programs and advocacy for legislation addressing patient issues. The need is critical: Leukemia is still the leading cause of disease-related death for children under the age of 15.

How it works
Players who participate in Soccer Kicks for Cancer ask family, friends and neighbors to pledge a specific amount for every time the player touches the soccer ball over a ten-day period. The goal is 2,000 touches, so a pledge of one cent per touch, for example, would amount to $20. Coaches and players who sign up for the program will be sent kits to help them fundraise.

2,000 Touches in 10 Days
Setting and striving to achieve personal goals is an important lesson in soccer and in life. In the Soccer Kicks for Cancer program the goal is to touch the soccer ball 2,000 times over a 10-day period. That's 200 touches each day! Can you do it? Yes, you can! And, you'll see a big difference in your soccer skills.
The Society provides everything you need! So sign up today and join us in our fight against cancers.
For more information including drills and tips to help you achieve your goal of 2,000 touches, check out the official website for Soccer Kicks for Cancer. Also, if you need some more ideas for drills and suggestions click here for US Youth Soccer's coaching page or by clicking here visit the U.S. National Team Soccer Players Association website for drills and suggestions from the pros. 

About US Youth Soccer The Game for ALL Kids! is the largest youth sports organization in the United States and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3.2 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, in 55 member state associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.
 
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the worlds largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Societys mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $360 million for research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made more than 441,000 patient contacts through services provided at its home office and by its 63 chapters nationwide.
 
For more information about blood cancer, visit www.LLS.org or call the Societys Information Resource Center (IRC), a call center staffed by master's level social workers, nurses and health educators who provide information, support and resources to patients and their families and caregivers. IRC information specialists are available at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.