October 25, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Pro Iowa News Release
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Soccer Development Foundation (ISDF) announced today that it awarded nine area organizations with soccer equipment to support underserved youth in central Iowa. The funds were made possible thanks to the $12,000 grant Prairie Meadows awarded ISDF back in October 2021 as part of the Youth Sports and Recreational Grant Program. ISDF partnered with Pro Iowa – the campaign that looks to bring professional soccer to Iowa – to deliver the equipment.
“This grant award fits seamlessly into Pro Iowa’s efforts to date installing 10 mini-pitches across the state, including seven here in central Iowa,” said Charley Campbell, ISDF secretary. “Part of our mission at ISDF and that of the Pro Iowa Initiative are to connect individuals through shared experiences, especially through the world’s game – soccer. The organizations we’ve selected to receive soccer equipment have similar missions and do great work to support Iowa’s youth.”
The ISDF used the grant funding to provide over 650 soccer balls, ball bags and training vests to the following organizations:
Clive Parks & Rec: ISDF and Pro Iowa awarded 150 soccer balls to area youth at the Clive Latino Heritage Festival at Linnan Park on Sept. 29. Linnan Park is the site of one of Pro Iowa’s mini-pitches. Pro Iowa reps and the Des Moines Menace presented the balls to children in attendance and hosted open play on the mini-pitch.
“Thank you to the ISDF and Pro Iowa for coming to the Clive Latino Festival and handing out soccer balls. I know they were a hit with the community!” – Jon Gibbs, Recreation Coordinator, Clive Parks and Rec
Oakridge Neighborhood Services: ISDF and Pro Iowa partnered with Oakridge Neighborhood Services to provide more than 175 soccer balls, training vests and ball bags for the community to utilize with the mini-pitch that was installed there in 2021. Together, the organizations hosted an event on Oct. 11 to award children from the neighborhood with the equipment.
“We are so appreciative of the partnership with Pro Iowa. This donation helps us as we put together a soccer league for our elementary school aged students.” – John Spinks, Director of Oakridge Neighborhood’s 21st Century Learning Center
Genesis Youth Foundation: ISDF and Pro Iowa provided 100 soccer balls for youth participating in Genesis Youth Foundation’s Next Move Soccer Program. The Next Move Soccer Program is intended to…