Changing Youth Soccer’s Pay-To-Play — International Soccer Academy Launches Non-Profit To Create Financial Support For Talented American Players
Goal Foundation, the non profit launched by the founders of International Soccer Academy, is dedicated to removing the financial barriers preventing elite American youth soccer players from reaching for their dreams.
New York, New York – GOAL Foundation, Inc., a new non-profit dedicated to promoting the growth and development of student athletes, is proud to announce today the official unveiling of its 501(c)(3) status and the foundation’s inaugural annual drive of $500,000 to fund scholarships for talented youth soccer players.
Money has always been an issue in youth sports. GOAL Foundation wants to start leveling the playing field financially.
“Financial support for the today’s generation of athletes paves the road for tomorrow’s superstars wearing Red, White and Blue,” said Diane Scavuzzo, cofounder of International Soccer Academy.
“Pay-to-Play requires parents to have enough money to cover the cost of playing soccer, and this isn’t always financially possible. In the USA, talented youth soccer players can be prevented from participating in top level programs due to costs. We know this first hand from identifying players who have the potential to become professional athletes but simply can’t afford the costs of training for nearly a year in Germany with International Soccer Academy. We wanted to start a non-profit to help remove these financial barriers — and we need your help.”
Goal Foundation. Inc. was set up by the founders of International Soccer Academy with the help of their attorney Mark Seiger.
“We want the very best American youth soccer players on the Integrated Academy rosters at FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC — regardless of their ability to cover the costs of participation,” said Eddie Loewen. “As co founder of International Soccer Academy, we know the importance of reducing the financial burden of paying to play and we have awarded over $250,000 in partial scholarships to gifted youth players — but we know this isn’t enough. We want to do more.”
The ability to cover the costs of participation should not stop a talented young player from following his or her dreams.
“Our Bundesliga partners are looking to develop the top talent in the USA,” said Loewen. “These pro clubs want to identify players they can offer contracts to and we recognize the need to raise funds to sponsor exceptional student athletes whose families can not afford to cover the costs themselves.”
“Our future goal is to raise enough donations to offer every player on the team a full ride scholarship — right now, our immediate concern is to cover the full costs for at least one or two highly skilled players to take advantage of our program.We have arranged over 75 official trials at European soccer clubs for our players and want to develop the best players for our proven pro-pathway,” said Loewen.
GOAL Foundation knows young kids share the “Captain America Christian Pulisic” dream.
“Sports can have a profound impact on a young person’s life, and we believe that every student-athlete deserves the opportunity to pursue their goals and reach their full potential,” said Scavuzzo. “We know GOAL Foundation can make a meaningful contribution in the lives of talented players who otherwise might not have the opportunity to earn a collegiate scholarship or follow their dream of becoming a soccer professional.”
From Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, Hope Solo and Alex Morgan — all Olympic gold medalists and FIFA Women’s World Cup champions — to Anson Dorrance, the head coach at University of North Carolina who has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics … all believe the idea that you have to pay to play at a high level of soccer is wrong.
The foundation will award scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 to selected applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants will be evaluated based on their academic achievements, soccer skills, and financial need. Goal Foundation will depend on corporate sponsors, as well as independent contributors, peer-to-peer fundraising and retail round up campaigns to reach their annual financial goals.
For more information about the program and how to donate, please visit GOAL Foundations’ website at goal-foundation.com
Contact:
Diane Scavuzzo — GOAL Foundation, Inc. [email protected]