American Soccer Legend Kristine Lilly Named Youth Soccer Month Spokesperson
Prominent US Youth Soccer Alumni Supports National Celebration
Youth Soccer Month – Celebrating Soccer in America, an annual celebration of the United States’ leading youth participation sport each September, is pleased to announce Kristine Lilly, a mainstay in the midfield of the US Women’s National Team, as official spokesperson for 2004.
“I am really proud to be part of Youth Soccer Month. Soccer has always been a part of my life and has given me so much,” said Lilly. “Soccer has shown me how to work with others, be a leader, have fun, and to push myself and be the best player and person I can be. My favorite part of the game will always be the orange slices at half time, though."
Second Annual Youth Soccer Month Announced
US Youth Soccer, with 3.2 million members the nation’s largest youth sports association, announced September 2004 as the second annual Youth Soccer Month – Celebrating Soccer in America.
“More children in the United States are participating in organized soccer than any other sport,” stated David Messersmith, president of US Youth Soccer. “It is with great pleasure that we at US Youth Soccer are spearheading the Youth Soccer Month initiative to promote the benefits of playing this wonderful sport.”
Throughout Youth Soccer Month a series of messages and themes will be communicated to illustrate the essence of youth soccer. Each week during Youth Soccer Month a different “pillar” will be the focus of “Celebrating Soccer in America.”
The four “pillars” of Youth Soccer month are:
· Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.
· Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.
· Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.
· Friendship: The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.
Plans for Youth Soccer Month 2004 include working with local leadership to organize grassroots public affairs campaign, a national spokesperson and media relations initiative and numerous local events.
Youth Soccer Month will also highlight the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including the inner-city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs that have facilitated the growth of the sport at all levels.
Youth Soccer Month
Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America's families, US Youth Soccer, the nation's largest youth sports association, is spearheading the annual Youth Soccer Month - Celebrating Soccer in America, in September.
Throughout Youth Soccer Month, a series of messages will be highlighted to illustrate "Celebrating Soccer in America." Each week a different message will be the focus of communication and programming. The "pillars" of Youth Soccer Month are:
- Fitness
- Friendship
- Family
- Participation
Youth Soccer Month will also highlight the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including the inner city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs that have facilitated the growth of the sport at all levels
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