For Soccer Ventures (FSV), an independent media and experiences company focused on the growth and long-term development of American soccer and BODYARMOR Sports Drink, today announced a new grassroots community initiative in Minneapolis, MN ahead of the upcoming 2022 Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
In partnership with local soccer organization, Sol of the Cities, FSV and BODYARMOR will host a free, one-day soccer event designed to provide access and opportunity to the sport of soccer in the Minneapolis community at Ninth Street Soccer + Coffee (801 9th St SE) on Tuesday, August 9th. The local event will include free youth soccer clinics taught by local Academy coaches, coaching development workshops, and will feature well-known professional soccer players and influencers, Rodney Wallace, Wil Trapp, Sarah Fuller, Cobi Jones, MoAliFC and Calen Carr competing in a 3v3 tournament, hosted by former US Men’s National Team Player Heath Pearce.
“With many barriers limiting access to soccer for underserved communities, we’re thrilled to join forces with BODYARMOR,” said Mario Wimberly of Sol of the Cities. “Our mission at Sol of the Cities is to unite the Minneapolis community through soccer and provide a player-centric environment for athletes and coaches of all levels and ages. This event will embody that spirit while providing a fun and collaborative experience around a massive event for our city.”
The new initiative with FSV and Sol of the Cities helps to create a meaningful connection for BODYARMOR with the Minneapolis community – site of the 2022 MLS All-Star Game – and builds upon its existing foundation with the larger soccer community. BODYARMOR has been Official Sports Drink of Major League Soccer since 2019.
BODYARMOR COMMUNITY EVENT ITINERARY
The Location:
Ninth Street Soccer + Coffee
801 9th St SE Minneapolis, MN 55424
IG – https://www.instagram.com/ninthstreetmpls
URL – https://www.ninthstreetmpls.com
FIRST TOUCH YOUTH CLINIC
Free clinic for eighty underserved boys and girls in partnership with the Harold Mezile North Community YMCA, Sol of the Cities, and Black Star. These two clinics will be an hour long and taught by local Academy coaches, (Minnesota Youth Soccer Association Coaches), (Augsburg University Men’s Soccer team), and feature MLS talent while welcoming all levels of soccer players as part of BODYARMOR’s initiative to providing access to local youth community groups. All participants will receive a shirt, a ball, and two tickets to MLS Skills Challenge.
Clinic 1: ages 7-9, Clinic 2: ages 10-12
BODYARMOR COACHES CLINIC
Free soccer coaching clinic program for up to 30 local coaches featuring US Soccer-licensed coaches (from Minnesota Youth Soccer Association) that provides soccer coaches, non-soccer coaches, and community leaders grassroots coaching education. The event will feature surprise appearances from MLS players. Additionally, BODYARMOR will connect these coaches with on-going educational opportunities after the event through US Soccer Foundation, so they can continue developing their practice as they become meaningful coaches within their communities. All participants will receive a shirt, a branded notebook, and two tickets to MLS Skills Challenge.
COMMUNITY CUP TOURNAMENT
An eight team, 3v3 round robin tournament featuring teams from local brands, local soccer organizations, micro influencers, media personalities, and former MLS players with live music, entertainment, live commentary, and a party-like atmosphere around the matches hyped by an emcee. Content will be captured by attendees and released on their personal channels and curated into a socially-optimized recap video.
cover image Credit: Omar Ram