Soccer Doing It Right – Donation Helps Saves The Game
DICK’S and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation committed $2 million in donations to schools, leagues, and teams impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma; Houston-based team receives surprise funding and equipment;
$1 million from Sports Matter still available to impacted programs.
Soccer Biz: DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation are giving the gift of sport this holiday season to ensure young athletes can continue to play.
Following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, DICK’S and its Foundation committed $2 million to rebuild and refurbish youth sports programs and facilities across the Gulf Coast, Florida and other states impacted by the hurricanes.
In Houston, reVision FC soccer relies on outside funding to operate. The youth team is comprised of African refugees and provides players with a community and home, empowering them with skills and confidence for the future.
Post-Harvey, funding for reVision FC was no longer available and the team was at risk of collapse.
On December 11th, DICK’S announces the release of a short film, reVision FC: A Holiday Assist, which captures the story of reVision’s struggles in the aftermath of the hurricane.
In this film, DICK’S tells the story of what the team means to the players and how they reacted to a surprise $120,000 donation from its Foundation’s Sports Matter program, which will keep the team on the field for the next three seasons.
“At DICK’S, we know the importance of giving gifts that matter during the holidays,” said Lauren Hobart, President of DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation.
“We believe giving the gift of sport brings people together, and can provide some sense of normalcy to kids whose lives have been turned upside-down,” said Hobart.
Since Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, DICK’S has provided nearly 200 youth sports teams in Texas and Florida the necessary funding to continue to play. There is still more than $1 million available via the Sports Matter Hurricane Relief fund, and teams, leagues or school athletic programs impacted by the hurricanes are encouraged to visit www.sportsmatter.org to apply for assistance.
“We’re so thankful for what DICK’S and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation did for our team,” said Charles Rotramel, CEO of Houston reVision.
“These young athletes found hope and brotherhood through this program, and with the support from DICK’S they can continue to play the sport they love,” said Rotramel.
Since 2014, DICK’S and the DICK’S Foundation have pledged over $50 million …
to support youth sports programs in need and raise awareness of the importance of youth sports across the country through its Sports Matter initiative.
