CHICAGO – Hundreds of kids are getting a free ticket to watch the Fire host the New York Red Bulls Saturday May 9th at Soldier Field.
The matinee match is just one perk of the Fire and Meridian Health’s P.L.A.Y.S. (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer) program, which started back in 2013 with eight Chicago Public Schools and has since grown to serve more than 1,600 CPS students in 70 schools.
“They did not come from backgrounds where they play soccer. Now, they’re falling in love with the sport and hopefully, falling with the Chicago Fire as their primary team,” explained Executive Director and Chicago Fire FC Vice President of Community Relations Jessica Yavitz. “Every kid in the program gets a soccer ball. They get a uniform. We send equipment to the school. They are just so excited. They light up when they get their ball.”
“We’ve been a partner with the Chicago Fire for four years now and to see how that program has grown even during that time and the increase in the impact we’re able to have is really important for us,” remarked Meridian Plan President and CEO Cristal Gary. “The energy is incredible. It’s great to see how much fun the kids have, how much they’ve gotten out of being a part of this program, and how much they love to actually go to the game and see the Fire play and have that full experience.”
During the 10-week program, each student receives a log book to track their progress as they train with their teachers after school. They play games, too. The Fire bus them to three matches throughout the course of the program.
“What’s great about the P.L.A.Y.S. program is that it gives these kids an opportunity to have fun and be physically active, so we can engage them in the importance of nutrition, preventive care and really help them develop those healthy habits that will serve them well for the rest of their lives,” Gary added.
“It’s been incredible. Over 90% of parents are seeing improved academic outcomes from their students. We’re seeing less behavior infractions,” Yavitz noted.