June 26, 2017 is the Application Deadline for the First Round of Equipment Donations
ATLANTA, May 15, 2017 –The Atlanta United Foundation and Good Sports, a national nonprofit, are joining forces to provide brand new soccer equipment and apparel to youth programs and schools across the state of Georgia through two cycles of donations.
These donations will not only aid in the growth of existing programs, but will also provide the opportunity for youth organizations to offer soccer for the first time by removing the barrier of high equipment costs. The initiative is set for two different cycles, and is projected to benefit over 1,000 of Georgia’s youth by providing the balls, uniforms, shin guards needed to get off the sideline and in the game.
“We are proud to partner with Good Sports to deliver soccer equipment to youth across our state,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “Removing common obstacles to sport such as high equipment costs is a core iniative of the Atlanta United Foundation. This program will have meaningful impact and will help to provide broad access to soccer for youth in Georgia.”
The first round of donations is scheduled for the back to school timeframe, August/September, and will focus on middle and high school teams. The second round of donations will center around elementary aged programs and will be sorted, packed, and delivered by Atlanta United employees as part of an employee engagement event in December of 2017.
“We are thrilled to team up with the Atlanta United Foundation to help kids in Georgia become more physically active,” said Melissa Harper, CEO of Good Sports. “By providing equipment that removes barriers to participation, we can help move more children from sedentary to active lifestyles.”
The application period for the first cycle of the Atlanta United Foundation-Good Sports equipment donations is open through Friday, June 26, 2017. The online application and more information on the process can be found via the Good Sports’ website – goodsports.org/apply/. In addition to being considered for an Atlanta United Foundation-Good Sports donation, approved applicants will be eligible to receive up to six (6) donations through Good Sports regular donation process over the next two years. Any questions regarding the application can be directed to the Good Sports Program Team at community@goodsports.org.
About Good Sports
Good Sports gives all kids the lifelong benefits of sport and physical activity by providing equipment, apparel and footwear to those most in need. Since 2003, Good Sports has provided more than $20 million worth of equipment to more than 3,200 youth programs, impacting over THREE MILLION kids. Good Sports has also been awarded a coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator, for sound fiscal management, transparency and accountability; is a Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity; and is listed on Social Impact Exchange’s S&I 100, an index of top American nonprofits creating meaningful social impact. For more information on how you can support Good Sports, please visit www.goodsports.org
About Atlanta United Foundation
The Atlanta United Foundation (AUF) strives to make the game of soccer accessible and inclusive for individuals across the state of Georgia. Through the global game of soccer, our grant programs stress the importance of physical fitness while building a supportive culture of play and sportsmanship. AUF invests in nonprofit organizations that make soccer fun, exciting, and accessible for individuals who otherwise would not get to participate. AUF is an affiliated fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
