NY Public Schools Get Crucial Support From Sports Companies

NEW YORK, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- adidas, City Sports, and the New York Soccer Project announced today that they have entered into a strategic partnership with one another to provide critically needed sports programming to under-funded New York City public schools. By combining human, financial and material resources, the three companies will fully sponsor a soccer league for small, independent schools this spring. Students will be provided with adidas cleats, jerseys, shorts, socks and shin guards. The games will be officiated by U.S. Soccer Federation referees and will be furnished with FIFA championship match balls and innovative, inflatable goals by I-goal. The development of this new league illustrates each organization's long-term commitment to assisting community-based programs for young athletes in need.

"Schools in NYC don't have equal access to sports programs – some schools don't even have sports programs or a gym for that matter," says Gregory Pinel, CEO of New York Soccer Project. "That's where we, adidas, and City Sports come in. Together, we're providing several schools with their only after-school sports program, with a website for this program [nyisl.com], and with everything else the students need for playing organized soccer – from the coaches to the cleats."

"We're very excited to be participating in this league," says Mike Farina, teacher at Brooklyn Law & Tech High School. "It will change students' lives. Most of these kids have never had the opportunity to play organized sports. And they're going to look the part doing it. Most importantly, they'll have the right gear, equipment, and organizational backing so that they can do it properly and safely."

"City Sports is a company comprised of athletes who grew up playing organized sports, a pastime that has taught so many of us the importance of competition, camaraderie, physical activity and teamwork," says Jeff Conner, President and CEO of City Sports. "We are thrilled to partner with adidas and the New York Soccer Project to provide students with the opportunity to enrich their lives through the game of soccer and understand the value sports can bring into their everyday lives."

While the league's spring season has just eight teams, it's a great start to something that all three companies expect to be a much bigger initiative by the fall of 2012. The league's growth, however, depends considerably on the availability of park and school facilities for the New York Soccer Project's adult charity leagues. It is these adult (pay-to-play) leagues that generate crucial funds and volunteers for their youth programs.

The New York Independent Schools League kicks off at 4pm on April 26th in Williamsburg's McCarren Park. Games will be held each Thursday afternoon (from 4pm to 6pm) throughout the spring.

About adidas

For over 80 years, the adidas Group has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state-of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. Today, the adidas Group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and offers a broad portfolio of products, which are available in virtually every country of the world. Activities of the company and its approximately 170 subsidiaries are directed from the Group's headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

About City Sports

An award-winning specialty sports retailer, City Sports is the premier destination for urban athletes and active lifestyle enthusiasts. The company operates 20 metropolitan stores across the East Coast, with locations in New York City, Boston, Providence, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. City Sports offers a comprehensive assortment of performance footwear, equipment and apparel from leading athletic brands, special niche brands, and its proprietary "CS by City Sports" line, all focused on outfitting the urban athlete who participates in soccer, running, triathlons, training, cycling, swimming, yoga and tennis.

About New York Soccer Project

The New York Soccer Project is NYC's local branch of the World Soccer Project, which develops and runs adult recreational soccer leagues for the purpose of raising money for under-served children's programs. The organization prides itself in providing the best organized, safest and most enjoyable soccer experience in NYC for adult players of all levels. But it's the money raised through adult soccer that drives the organization's overarching goal: to provide opportunities in sport and education for under-served children in US cities and abroad.

SOURCE City Sports