Uniroyal | TOPSoccer Tops $2.5 Million in Donations

TOPSoccer Tops $2.5 Million in Donations

Uniroyal® Soccer Program Tops $2.5 Million in Donations

Greenville, SC (June 14, 2002) — Just three years after launching its comprehensive support program for youth soccer, Uniroyal® Tire reached an important milestone this year — more than $2.5 million in funds and equipment donated to local leagues and the US Youth Soccer organization.

In fall 2000, Uniroyal began working with its dealers to support youth soccer leagues in communities across America. The Uniroyal program provides free soccer balls for families and a fundraising promotion for the league. The tire brand also teamed up with US Youth Soccer to sponsor TOPSoccer, the association's outreach program that helps children with disabilities get off the sidelines and into the game.

The leagues have used the financial donations to fund scholarships for underprivileged children, new field development, Olympic training programs and operational expenses. US Youth Soccer has more than doubled the number of TOPSoccer programs since Uniroyal became a national sponsor.

"We're excited to be part of one of America's fastest growing youth sports," said Uniroyal Tire Brand Director Tim Jamison. "It's easy to see why youth soccer has become so popular. It is a game that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages and ability levels. And it brings the entire family together. It's great to see the parents, grandparents and siblings on the sidelines cheering the kids on."

Jamison added, "We're thrilled that our program has had such a positive impact, and we look forward to working with our dealers, US Youth Soccer and youth soccer organizations across America to keep the momentum going."

Results to-date include:

150,000 families have received free soccer balls at Uniroyal dealers across the nation.
More than 600 youth soccer leagues have received financial donations from the fundraising promotions held by Uniroyal and its dealers.
The number of Uniroyal Tire TOPSoccer programs and participants has more than doubled to 213 programs.
Uniroyal has provided free specialized equipment, such as oversized and jingle balls, to all 213 TOPSoccer programs.
Uniroyal spokesperson Julie Foudy, captain of the U.S. National Team, has promoted TOPSoccer on ABC's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, The Today Show, CNN, ESPN and many other media outlets; the publicity program has generated more than 100 million consumer impressions.

"We applaud Uniroyal Tire's ongoing commitment to youth soccer," said US Youth Soccer Executive Director Jim Cosgrove. "Through their grassroots support of local programs and their national sponsorship of TOPSoccer, Uniroyal has really helped us fulfill our mission — the game for all kids."

This coming fall will mark the fifth season for the Uniroyal program. More than 600 Uniroyal dealers will give away free soccer balls and hold 30-day fundraising promotions for their leagues (at least $2 for every Uniroyal tire sold during September will be donated to the league).

In addition, Foudy will again be conducting media interviews to publicize Uniroyal Tire TOPSoccer, as she prepares for the much-anticipated 2003 World Cup.

For more information on the Uniroyal soccer program, visit www.usyouthsoccer.com or call 1-800-894-3314.

The Uniroyal brand has a long and proud history in the tire business. The brand's history dates back to 1892 as United States Rubber Company. That company began manufacturing and marketing tires under the Uniroyal name in 1964. Today, the Uniroyal brand markets a wide variety of high quality, high mileage tires for many of America's most popular family vehicles and light trucks.

US Youth Soccer™ — The Game for ALL Kids!® — is the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3.1 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, in 55 member state associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game.

CONTACT:
John Taylor — 336-812-2006