Starting today, all 16 clubs across Major League Soccer are asking fans to join them in making a difference in America’s communities. As part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, each Club has outlined an idea that will vie for fan votes and an ultimate $50,000 Pepsi Refresh grant to fulfill the project. Launching today thru Monday, September 20 at 10:59 p.m. CDT, fans can cast their votes at www.MLSsoccer.com/PepsiRefresh for the ideas they believe should receive a grant from the Pepsi Refresh Project.
Jimmy Conrad and the Wizards are hoping to improve and build youth soccer fields at Belvedere Park in urban Kansas City, MO, which will provide a facility to keep kids engaged, build self confidence and avoid negative influences. Over 600 youth currently play soccer on these fields, and while the surrounding area is primarily Hispanic, individuals from Somalia, Vietnam, the former Soviet Block and over 45 other ethnicities live there.
With soccer being the international language in the area, the Belvedere Park project will also help everyone join together and form a stronger community. Wizards fans are encouraged to vote for the Belvedere Park project by going to www.mlssoccer.com/pepsirefresh/kansascity.
“The Pepsi Refresh Project allows for fans to make a positive impact on local communities,” said Kansas City Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad. “The Wizards want to make a difference here in Kansas City, and we hope our fans will go vote and help us win the $50,000 grant.”
Fans can also view a video of Jimmy Conrad discussing the Belvedere Park project here:
The Kansas City Soccer Foundation is working with the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department, the FBI, Don Bosco Centers and the Northeast Soccer League to engage the local community around Belvedere Park, which includes a very diverse population. This area is primarily Hispanic, but individuals from Somalia, Vietnam, the former Soviet Block and over 45 other ethnicities live here.
“The Pepsi Refresh Project is proud to provide the stage to showcase these inspiring team ideas from across the league,” said Jeff Dubiel, Vice President of Pepsi Sports. “Through this initiative, fans will have the opportunity to recognize their favorite team for something other than their on-field performance. By showing their support, they will be helping to make a difference in their local community -- everybody wins.”
The Pepsi Refresh Project is a groundbreaking effort to foster innovation in social good that will award more than $20 million this year to fund great ideas that help impact the world. Throughout 2010, Pepsi will fund ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project, which launched Jan. 13, features significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. People are encouraged to submit their ideas and to cast a vote for their favorite ideas at www.refresheverything.com.
“Creating positive change and giving back to their respective communities has been a longstanding priority for MLS fans,” said David Wright, Vice President, Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing. “We are grateful to Pepsi for allowing our clubs, players and fans the opportunity to make a difference in their local market. The collective effort of our passionate fans will drive positive results, while building on the success of the Pepsi Refresh Project."
