The U.S. Soccer Foundation announced the distribution of $2 million in funds to 52 groups in 24 states and the District of Columbia as part of its 12th annual grants program.
This year's grants program recipients was highlighted by the establishment of ''Mooch'' Myernick Fund to honor the life, career and years of distinguished service of coach Glenn ''Mooch'' Myernick, who died last fall. Proceeds from the Mooch Myernick Fund were distributed to three programs in urban areas: the Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy (Chicago), Think Detroit PAL (Detroit) and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (Flushing, N.Y.)
Addtionally, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has also finalized the establishment of the David Charles Vanole Memorial Fund to also honor the life and career of one of U.S. international goalie David Vanole, who passed away at the age of 43 in January. Proceeds from the endowment will be distributed to soccer clubs and organizations in urban areas to help create and sustain soccer opportunities for underserved children, with an emphasis on groups in the Southern California region, where Vanole's career started.
Program and field enhancement grant recipients:
Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (Berkeley, Calif.)
Southern California Youth Soccer Organization (Los Angeles, Calif.) ***
National Sports Center for the Disabled (Denver, Colo.) ***
Capital Community Soccer Club (Washington, D.C.)
Friends of Takoma Recreation Center (Washington, D.C.)
America SCORES Miami (Miami, Fla.)
Atlanta Youth Soccer Association (Atlanta, Ga.)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Augusta (Augusta, Ga.)
Frank Callen Boys & Girls Clubs (Savannah, Ga.)
Chicago SCORES (Chicago, Ill.)
Rauner Family YMCA (Chicago, Ill.)
Talcott Fine Arts and Museum Academy (Chicago, Ill.)
United Neighborhood Organization (UNO) (Chicago, Ill.)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Indianapolis Public Schools (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka (Topeka, Kan.)
The Friends of Patterson Park (Baltimore, Md.)
Calverton Soccer Club (Sunshine, Md.)
CityKicks (Dorchester, Mass.)
Friendly House, Inc. of Worcester Massachusetts (Worcester, Mass.)
Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association (Boston, Mass.)
Think Detroit PAL (Detroit, Mich.)
Southwest Youth Services, Inc. (Corrales, New Mexico)
First Chernomorets.org (Brooklyn, N.Y.)
Durham Parks and Recreation Department (Durham, N.C.)
City of Rocky Mount (Rocky Mount, N.C.)
Orange County Recreation and Parks Department (Mebane, N.C.)
Village of Obetz (Obetz, Ohio)
Creswell School District (Creswell, Ore.)
Vanguard Ministries dba Cascade Surge (Salem/Keizer, Ore.)
All Stars Youth Association (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Starfinder Foundation (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Ebony City Soccer Club (Charleston, S.C.)
Metro Parks & Recreation (Nashville, Tenn.)
Dallas Texans Soccer Club (Farmers Branch, Texas)
West Allis West Milwaukee School District (West Allis, Wis.)
All Conditions Fields grant recipients:
City of Pomona (Pomona, Calif.)
City of Vista (Vista, Calif.)
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (Los Angeles, Calif.)
University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, Conn.)
Multicultural Career Intern Program (Washington, D.C.)
Jungman Elementary (Chicago, Ill.)
New Bedford Youth Soccer Inc. (New Bedford, Mass.)
Scott Gallagher Soccer Club (Maryland Heights, Mo.)
Taos Youth Soccer League, Incorporated (Taos, N.M.)
City of Newark (Newark, N.J.)
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (Flushing, N.Y.)
Pinnacle Sports (Medina, Ohio)
Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District (Beaverton, Ore.)
Central Coast Soccer Association (Lincoln City, Ore.)
Arlington County (Arlington, Va.)
Prince William Soccer, Inc. (Woodbridge, Va.)