Pride Helps Soccer Without Borders Provide Playing Opportunities for Youth Worldwide

Pride contributed to the spread of soccer opportunities around the globe this spring when it donated soccer gear to non-profit organization, Soccer Without Borders. The club’s old equipment became an important component of a new, long-term girl’s program in Granada, Nicaragua this year.

Soccer Without Borders volunteers took donated balls, jerseys, cleats, cones and pennies from teams and clubs across the U.S. to help start a girls program in Granada during the spring of 2008. Practices for young girls and coaching clinics for the community were held during March and April. Equipment was distributed to the local coaches and teachers to continue the programs throughout the year. These programs not only provide recreational activities for underserved youth but help promote gender equality in traditionally male dominated societies.

Pride Soccer Club continues its support for SWB this fall when it teams up with Colorado College in October for a Soccer Without Borders Weekend. During home games on October 3rd and 5th, CC women’s soccer will be raising awareness and collecting donations for the Nicaragua girls program. Teams, players and families are encouraged to attend the games to learn more about SWB and donate their used soccer equipment for the project. SWB t-shirts and scarves will also be on sale. In addition, Pride will be collecting gear at the Pride Soccer Complex after the SWB Weekend and during club games on October 11th. A Soccer Stop trailer to will be available to drop off goods at the Pride Complex Oct 8,9,10 during practices as well for your convenience.

Soccer Without Borders would like to thank the Pride Soccer Club for their continued support. If you would like to learn more about SWB or make a donation, please contact info@soccerwithoutborders.org or visit the website at www.soccerwithoutborders.org

About Soccer Without Borders: Soccer Without Borders is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California. SWB strives to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. SWB works locally and internationally to help young people develop their bodies, voices and minds. There are currently project sites in Oakland, CA, Nicaragua, Uganda, Zambia and El Salvador.

About the Granada Girls Program: SWB began working in Granada in 2006 and developed a girls specific soccer program there in the Spring of 2008. Granada representative, Humberto 'Chepe' Largaespada, supervises the ongoing SWB programming along with professional player and coach, Carlos Zambrana through out the year. The girls program was launched in 2008 out of a need to provide more soccer opportunities for girls and promote self-esteem and confidence.