Community Involvement
Uniroyal Soccer Program Turns 10
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Uniroyal® Soccer Program. Reaching across the country and into Canada, the soccer program has helped hundreds of thousands of soccer families in the past nine years by donating funds and equipment to youth soccer communities. Working together with its local dealer stores across the country, Uniroyal has donated nearly $12 million in funds and equipment since 2000, including over 875,000 soccer balls, to over 3,000 different youth soccer leagues.
"Our 10th anniversary is surely a reason to celebrate," said Kaz Holley, Uniroyal brand director, "and not only is Uniroyal supporting soccer through the program, there are Uniroyal dealers in each of these communities who are supporting locally. The program is about giving people the opportunity to help those around them in a unique, personal way."
This grassroots initiative started small and has been growing every year since its kickoff. Now, the program supports over 1,000 leagues a year in both the U.S. and Canada. Soccer families receive a certificate from the youth soccer league that they can take to a participating tire dealer to get a free soccer ball. Uniroyal and the tire dealer also donate $2 to the league for every Uniroyal tire sold to the public during the program.
"It's been very rewarding to see this program develop over the years," said Holley. "We have strived to support as many soccer leagues as possible. Our 10th anniversary couldn't have come at a better time - everyone is aware of the economy right now, and we're proud to help keep youth soccer strong."
Since many of the leagues supported by the Uniroyal Soccer Program are not-for-profit, they are already operating solely on volunteer time and money. The soccer community is well-known for being a tightly-knit group, and its members' dedication to the sport is what makes it strong. Such organizations lie at the heart of this distinctive grassroots initiative.
What Our Participants Are Saying
"This program is amazing! It helps children get the free equipment they need to play soccer and the Uniroyal tire dealers are very helpful and willing to give back."
- Bobby Blount, Dragons Soccer Club, San Antonio, TX"We are thankful for the wonderful program that Uniroyal and our local dealer have shared with us. Our players enjoy getting a new ball at the beginning of each season and the association appreciates the money donated to our scholarship fund."
- Theresa Barton, Greensboro Youth Soccer, Greensboro, NC"I want to thank Uniroyal for the generous support. As a recipient of many donations for many years, we are very grateful. These donations were used to allow children the opportunity to participate in our programs that otherwise could not because they simply don’t have the money or resources. With decades of experience in grassroots soccer and working with the Hispanic community, I can tell you first hand that this donation and your support goes a long way. Thanks Uniroyal for making a difference in our community."
- Luis Montoya, Big Apple Youth Soccer League, Astoria, NY
For more information about the soccer program, call the Uniroyal Soccer Hotline 877-894-3314 or send an email to soccer@trone.com.
