homeless usa cup 2008

the organizers

street soccer usa

Street Soccer USA is the national body responsible for organizing the Homeless USA Cup and selecting the U.S.
representative to the Homeless World Cup. It also exists to help cities in the U.S. start and maintain street soccer
programs. In the summer of 2007 Street Soccer USA held its initial organizing conference attended by representatives
and players from 10 cities across the country.

Street Soccer USA is currently incubated within the Street Soccer 945 program of the Urban Ministry Center to create
a national street soccer league in the United States. The Urban Ministry Center, along with Street Sense newspaper and the National Coalition for the Homeless, are leading the program as well as helping other groups throughout the country to form their own teams.

With the help of corporate sponsor Bank of America, a planning conference was held July 20-22 in Charlotte, N.C., to begin preparation for the Homeless USA Cup in 2008.

us soccer foundation

Originally established in 1995 to manage the surplus funds generated by the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States, the US Soccer Foundation has grown to take a leading role in supporting the continuous development of the sport at all levels.The foundation has provided over $45 million in grants and other financial support for the development of coaches, players and referees, with particular focus on those in economically disadvantaged urban areas.

Under its motto: “To enhance, assist and grow the sport of soccer in the United States,” the US Soccer Foundation became involved in supporting the Homeless USA Cup in 2007. Its like-minded mission and focus make the Foundation an ideal partner in this endeavor as it continues to provide the event with program support.

For more info visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org.

urban minstry center

The Urban Ministry Center serves people who are homeless and poor both through tangible assistance, including a soup
kitchen, and a wide variety of support programs in the Greater Charlotte, N.C., area.

Street Soccer 945 is one of the Urban Ministry’s programs, which ties together tangible assistance with support. The first
U.S. year-round soccer program for the homeless and impoverished, Street Soccer 945 hosted the US Cup in 2006, won
the Homeless World Cup Fair Play trophy in 2005, and organized the 2006 and 2007 US Homeless World Cup teams.
Street Soccer 945 recognizes that healthy living, a constructive use of leisure time, a community of teammates and a
personal relationship with people who can help you achieve your goals, are essential components of anyone’s well-being. Participants play in leagues, attend weekly practices and meet with staff to set 3-, 6- and 12-month personal goals.

Last year Street Sense 945 engaged 133 individuals. Moreover, of the 30 final team members, 75% moved off the street and 95% made significant life changes.

For more information visit www.streetsoccer945. org or www.communityworks945.org.

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