Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced today that DC Stoddert Soccer, a local non-profit, youth soccer organization, has been named DPR’s first Premier Partner. The DPR Premier Partner Program is a new opportunity for community organizations that are frequent users of DPR facilities to partner with DPR to ensure the creation and maintenance of high quality recreational and athletic programs and facilities.
During the multi-year partnership, DC Stoddert Soccer will donate $150,000 to support field improvements at four DPR athletic fields and equipment purchases by DPR, provide nearly $30,000 of in-kind donations for clinics and camps, and over $4,000 of in-kind donations for league registration fees. These donations equal 5% of DC Stoddert’s annual income directed to support DPR athletics programs, and 5% of DC Stoddert’s annual income directed to DPR for athletic field improvements.
“The commitment of DC Stoddert Soccer to supporting high quality recreation programs and facilities is second to none,” said Clark E. Ray, DPR Director. “This new Premier Partnership highlights the ability of DPR to work together with the community to expand and improve the programs and facilities DPR provides for the District.”
DC Stoddert Soccer is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing a first-rate recreational soccer program open to all children and young adults, ages 6 to 18, regardless of economic circumstances, in the District of Columbia and nearby metropolitan area; last year DC Stoddert spent over $90,000 in player scholarships. DC Stoddert players come from all eight Wards in the District of Columbia and from the nearby metropolitan area. DC Stoddert Soccer also offers a high quality soccer developmental program and travel teams for competitive players to compete in regional leagues. In addition, DC Stoddert Soccer provides training and support for soccer coaches and referees.
“DC Stoddert Soccer is excited by the opportunities to expand our youth athletic programs in DC through DPR’s Premier Partnership program,” said Tom Gross, League Administrator of DC Stoddert Soccer. “DPR’s Premier Partnership program compliments our current outreach program by allowing the club to directly invest in the physical infrastructure, fields, which are essential to support our program. DC Stoddert applauds the vision and leadership of DPR Director Clark Ray for pushing this innovative program which we are confident will quickly bear fruit for all the kids in DC.”
For information on how to support or contribute to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-1462 or DPRpartnerships@dc.gov.
About the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) presents quality urban recreation and leisure services to residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, swimming pools, playgrounds, and neighborhood recreation centers, and coordinates a wide variety of athletic and recreational programs. For more information, visit DPR’s website at dpr.dc.gov.
About the DC Stoddert Soccer League
DC Stoddert Soccer League is a local non-profit organization founded in 1977 at the DC Department of Parks and Recreation’s Stoddert Recreation Center, to serve the youth soccer community in the District of Columbia. Funded entirely by fees and contributions and managed primarily by volunteers, this year over 5,000 children and youth athletes will participate in DC Stoddert Soccer teams and leagues. DC Stoddert Soccer also provides player clinics, coaching courses, and referee training.