NEW YORK (December. 17, 2015) – The New York Cosmos and their official charity partner, Street Soccer USA, announced today that they are partnering with Sponsorise.me to transform an under used basketball court into a mini soccer pitch in Elmont, N.Y. (Nassau County).
Young people within the Elmont Union Free School District will not only benefit from a new playing field but they will also have the opportunity to take part in a number of free soccer programs run by non-profit organization, Street Soccer USA.
The mini soccer playing field is a grassroots effort to make a positive difference to the Elmont community and supporters of the proposal have the opportunity to donate funds.
“Here at the New York Cosmos we understand the power of sport and the impact it can have in young people’s lives,” commented New York Cosmos Chief Operating Officer, Erik Stover.
“This is a unique project and one we are proud to be part of through Sponsorise.me we hope to raise vital funds to transform this playing field and Street Soccer USA will ensure that the vision for this site is sustainable through their programs,” he added.
Elmont Union Free School District is in support of this project, which will provide after school programs and help with the district’s childhood obesity initiative.
“The diversity and commitment of the New York Cosmos organization is representative of our community’s diversity. We are committed to improving the quality of life of Elmont’s children. Thus, the partnership with Street Soccer USA will provide another safe environment for our children where they can participate in the world’s most recognized sport, soccer. This will provide them with an opportunity to become physically fit and further develop their social skills”, commented Elmont Union Free School District Board President, Michael A. Jaime.
“The game is the teacher and the kids have the answers. Our job is to give them the opportunity to learn and develop, that’s why this program is so important, because many of these kinds don’t have access to programs or sports that can help them on the field to develop off the field” said Street Soccer USA Founder and CEO, Lawrence Cann.
“Even the smallest donation will help us reach our target and make a difference in Elmont,” he added.
Sponsorise.me is a leader in sport crowdfunding, having risen over $2.5 million for sports related proposals. This project will be their first in New York.
“We are thrilled that two storied organizations like Street Soccer USA and the New York Cosmos have chosen Sponsorise.me to launch their crowdfunding project. We take great pride in providing an easy-to-use, secure and reliable platform for exciting and meaningful projects like this one,” explained Loic Yviquel, CEO of Sponsorise.me.
Together the NASL Championship winning team, charity and crowdfunding platform has raised $40,000 and are looking to hit a target of $98,700.
To make a donation visit https://us.sponsorise.me/en/project-iplayforelmont
About the Cosmos
The New York Cosmos are reigning champions of the North American Soccer League (NASL), having captured their second league title in three seasons and seventh overall on Nov. 15, 2015 with a 3-2 win over Ottawa Fury FC in The Championship Final at Hofstra University’s James M. Shuart Stadium.
The Cosmos began play in 1971, spending 14 seasons in the NASL, winning five Soccer Bowl trophies and bringing some of the biggest names in world soccer to the USA. This included Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and Carlos Alberto. It had been nearly 30 years since the Cosmos, an iconic global soccer club, played in a professional league. Yet throughout their absence, the club maintained a loyal and dedicated fan following.
On Aug. 3, 2013, the New York Cosmos returned to the NASL with a sellout win at Shuart Stadium, before embarking on a season that would see the Cosmos win the 2013 Soccer Bowl with a 1-0 victory against the Atlanta Silverbacks on Nov. 9, 2013 at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.
Raúl and Marcos Senna, legends at famed Spanish sides Real Madrid and Villarreal CF, each suited up in Cosmos colors for modern era championship runs, adding their names to the impressive list of global soccer stars to feature at the club.
The Cosmos submitted a privately-funded economic development proposal in 2013 to the State of New York to build a world-class 25,000-seat professional soccer stadium at Belmont Park. More information about the proposal and renderings can be found at newcosmosstadium.com.
For more information on the New York Cosmos, please visit nycosmos.com, join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@NYCosmos). Tickets for the 2016 season are now available by calling 855-71-COSMOS or via the club’s official website at nycosmos.com/seasontickets.
About Street Soccer USA
Street Soccer USA (SSUSA), a 501(c)3 organization and an affiliate of HELP USA, is a national sport development program for social change in 16 cities across the United States. Teams train and compete in local leagues and work through a special curriculum of life and job skills.
SSUSA uses soccer as a team sport to help adults and youths overcome poverty and homelessness. By creating a team environment that is fun, positive, and universal, participants are provided with a family support group to build relationships of trust and stability. Players are challenged by personal motives and team expectations to advance individual character, confidence and hope.
More information: www.streetsoccerusa.org.