Houston's Soccer For Success Program Receives $175,000 Grant

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Soccer for Success program received a $175,000 grant from the U.S. Soccer Foundation (The Foundation), the city of Houston announced Friday afternoon. Funds will be used to provide field equipment and player kits to 1,500 participants and provide for instruction and implementation of the program. The program is available to youth ages 6 – 14 at 24 school and park sites and one Boys and Girls Club location.

"Houston has an avid base of soccer players and fans, and Soccer for Success is a very popular youth recreation program here," said Steve Wright, Director of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department. "We thank the U.S. Soccer Foundation for its continued support and dedication to improving the lives of Houston’s youth."

Soccer for Success is a free, sports-based youth development program that uses soccer as a tool to improve the health and behavioral outcomes for children. The program provides after school activities, including soccer and nutrition education, in a safe after-school environment.

H.P.A.R.D.’s Soccer for Success program is an adjunct to Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative, a new program designed to improve the quality of life in five targeted areas: Acres Homes, Gulfton, Second Ward, Near Northside and Third Ward.

The Soccer for Success program at Benavidez Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, Burnett-Bayland Park and Moody Park will benefit children living in Complete Communities neighborhoods.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States. Soccer for Success is a partnership program between H.P.A.R.D., the Foundation, and Houston, Aldine and Spring Branch Independent School Districts’ schools.

Additional grants to support the program have been provided by the U.S. Family Health Plan, South Texas Youth Soccer Association and the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation.

Photo via Associated Press