U.S. Soccer Pioneers Join love.futbol Board of Directors

Hank Steinbrecher and Farrukh Quraishi Bring Expertise and Passion for the Game to love.futbol

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- love.futbol welcomes Hank Steinbrecher, former Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation and Farrukh Quraishi, three-time soccer All-American as new board members. Both individuals have a lifelong relationship with soccer and have been central figures in the growth of the game in the United States. Steinbrecher and Quraishi will bring their industry experience and influence to advance love.futbol's mission. love.futbol is the only non-profit organization worldwide providing safe soccer fields to children through a community-driven approach.

"We are honored to have Farrukh and Hank bring their expertise and passion for the game to our organization," said love.futbol CEO Drew Chafetz. "Both are leaders that helped turn the tide for soccer in our country during a decisive era in U.S. Soccer. We are grateful for their dedication to our simple mission of providing all children with a safe place to play."

Hank Steinbrecher played youth soccer in his childhood and attended Davis and Elkins College on scholarship. Steinbrecher earned a Master's degree from West Virginia University, coached at various colleges and universities, and later directed Sports Marketing for Gatorade until he was tapped to become Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation. Under Steinbrecher's leadership, U.S. Soccer experienced unparalleled success and growth, hosting the '94 World Cup, the '99 Women's World Cup and fielding successful teams at the '91 Gold Cup and '96 Atlanta Olympics. Steinbrecher recently won the 2012 Werner Fricker Award bestowed upon individuals "foster[ing] programs that will outlast their own active involvement" in soccer.

"By tapping into the worldwide passion for soccer, love.futbol empowers communities to provide children with a safe place to play and enjoy the game," said Hank Steinbrecher. "I am committed to this goal and feel privileged to join love.futbol."

As partner at Long View Management, the second new member, Farrukh Quraishi, has more than 35 years of soccer experience at all levels. Quraishi was the recipient of the Hermann Award as college soccer's best player in 1974 and later played several seasons professionally. Following his retirement, Quraishi joined Caspers Company, the largest McDonald's franchisee in the Southeastern United States, where he managed the company's public relations and sports sponsorship initiatives. Quraishi was responsible for establishing the McDonald's Sun Bowl International Youth Soccer tournament and later re-entered the soccer world full-time as the Orlando venue Executive Director for the '94 World Cup. Quraishi later served as General Manager and President of the MLS charter franchise Tampa Bay Mutiny, leading them to the Eastern Conference regular season title, producing the league's first MVP, rookie of the year, coach of the year and contributing six players to the MLS All-Star team. 

"I am honored and excited to join the love.futbol team," said Farrukh Quraishi. "Soccer has been a positive influence in my life and I look forward to applying my experiences to further the love.futbol mission."

Soccer-passionate youth throughout the world face great challenges when trying to play soccer. Children run barefoot in trash dumps, chase balls through sewage and dodge rushing cars in streets. love.futbol's model empowers local communities, giving them the tools they need to build and maintain safe, quality soccer fields for children. love.futbol provides communities with construction guidance and finances the raw materials needed. love.futbol's unique community organizing approach allows for local leaders to manage these projects alongside community members.

SOURCE love.futbol