With the support of Anthem Blue Cross through ‘Roots in the Community,’ Street Soccer USA partners with Oakland Roots and Soul SC to bring street soccer back to the heart of Fruitvale
Oakland, CA (September 21, 2023) – Street Soccer USA (SSUSA), Oakland Roots and Soul Sports Club, and Anthem Blue Cross announces the 3rd annual Street Soccer USA Oakland Cup at the Día de Los Muertos Festival happening in the heart of the Fruitvale on October 29th. The all-day, one-of-a-kind street soccer event takes place at the Día de los Muertos Festival in Oakland to benefit Oakland Roots and Soul Purpose Partner and nonprofit SSUSA. SSUSA serves Oakland and the Bay Area’s hardest to reach and most underserved neighborhoods with free sports and development programming.
“The Oakland Cup has become a fixture in Oakland’s sporting calendar,” said Oakland Roots and Soul SC Chief Purpose Officer Mike Geddes. “The true spirit of Oakland comes to life during the Dia de Los Muertos festival and we encourage everyone to come join in the fun, cheer on the teams and support the great work of Street Soccer USA.”
The event includes multiple tournaments including elementary school, middle school and high school cups for both boys and girls on two courts located at E14th (International Blvd.) between 39th and 40th Ave. Participants in SSUSA’s teams from across the city, as well as other Oakland Roots and Soul Purpose Partner organizations will compete in the Youth Cups starting at 9 AM PT and continuing throughout the day, where the best street soccer teams in The Town will aim for the title of Street Soccer Cup Oakland Champion.
“There’s tremendous Town pride as players take the field at the Oakland Cup. Sure, we’re playing for the trophy, but we also play for more: we’re representing our neighborhoods, building community through soccer, and celebrating our resilience and strength. Oakland Roots and Soul SC are incredible partners and are right alongside us year-round as we play for these bigger goals,” said Alex Altman, SSUSA Bay Area Managing Director.
Oakland Roots and Soul SC title Sponsor, Anthem Blue Cross, will serve as the lead sponsor of the Oakland Cup through their Roots in the Community campaign. ‘Roots in the Community’ is Oakland Roots’ grassroots community outreach program presented by Anthem Blue Cross. Roots in the Community is about growing the game of soccer and increasing access for all, whether as players, coaches or fans.
“We are thrilled to continue supporting Oakland’s Dia de los Muertos festival and the 3rd Annual SSUSA Oakland Cup,” said Anthem President, Beth Andersen. “The partnership with Oakland Roots was intended for exactly this purpose, to be able to work with fantastic non-profits who are helping keep our youth safe, active, and healthy.”
The SSUSA Cup Oakland presented by Anthem Blue Cross is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Anthem Blue Cross, Oakland Roots and Soul SC, PG&E, Verizon, and Oakland Rotary Club #3.
About SSUSA
Street Soccer USA is a national 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and strengthening community through soccer in more than a dozen U.S. cities. Street Soccer USA holds Cups, builds Street Soccer Parks, and develops programs in the least served neighborhoods across the country, increasing access to the world’s most popular game and using soccer as a tool for youth and community development.
Schedule of Events
9:00 AM: Lower Elementary School Co-ed Cup
10:40 AM: Upper Elementary School Boys Cup
12:00 PM: Guardians of the City Match
12:20 PM: Upper Elementary School Girls Cup
1:40 PM: Special Feature
2:00 PM: Middle School Boys Cup
3:00 PM: Middle School Girls Cup
4:00 PM: High School Cup
Head to the Oakland Cup website to learn more, sign up to volunteer, and donate to support SSUSA programs in Oakland.