SERIES TO KICK OFF AT ICONIC PHILADELPHIA ART MUSEUM STEPS JUNE 9-11, FOLLOWED BY TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK ON JULY 15 AND UNION SQUARE, SAN FRANCISCO AUGUST 5-6
Team Registration Opens March 1
New York, NY — One of the biggest and most exciting Sports for Social Change gatherings in the world is set to return with the 2017 Street Soccer USA Cup Series. Once again three of the country’s iconic city locations will host the series, beginning June 9-11 with the 2017 Street Soccer USA National Cup in Philadelphia; followed by the Times Square Cup July 15, and culminating with the Union Square San Francisco Cup August 5-6. All proceeds from the Cup series benefit Street Soccer USA’s programs throughout the year, serving at-risk youth and homeless young adults in underserved communities throughout the country.
Those interested in sponsoring the Cup Series should contact event@streetsoccerusa.org. Team registration will begin March 1 at StreetSoccerUSACup.org.
Under the triumphantly outstretched arms of Rocky Balboa, the Philadelphia Art Museum steps will provide the backdrop for the second consecutive National Cup to be held in the city. Last May over 1,200 registered players, including 880 local Philadelphia youth and 150 homeless young adults from around the country, played before over 20,000 spectators. Former U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team stars Heather Mitts and Jimmy Conrad attended the tournament. The money raised by the Cup helped fund our first Philadelphia mini-pitch facility, which opened in October 2016 in Kensington.
One month later the scene shifts 90 miles north to the “Crossroads of the World” on Saturday, July 15 for the fifth annual Times Square Cup in New York City. At last year’s event 32 teams competed and played in 100 matches, attracting over 125,000 spectators. New York City Councilmember Carlos Menchaca attended the event, along with New York Red Bulls stars Luis Robles and Dax McCarty (now with the Chicago Fire).
Finally, the series heads west to the Golden State for the Union Square San Francisco Cup August 5, 6. This will mark the fourth time San Francisco has hosted a Cup. Last year’s event was highlighted by 56 teams, including a special celebrity match that was sponsored by the San Jose Earthquakes and included MLS stars Chris Wondolowski and David Bingham.
“The Cup Series is a great example of what can be accomplished when local communities and corporations come together,” said Street Soccer USA CEO and Co-Founder Lawrence Cann. “Thanks to the support of all our partners and supporters we set new records of participation last year, and we hope to build upon that in 2017.”