WASHINGTON CONRESSMAN DAVE REICHERT TO SERVE AS CO-CHAIR FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL SOCCER CAUCUS
Redmond, WA – LWYSA President, Andy Hill, praised U.S. Representative David Reichert (WA - 8th District) for his role in establishing the Congressional Soccer Caucus. The caucus is a bi-partisan organization dedicated to promoting programs and ideas that enrich lives and strengthen communities through soccer. Representative Reichert has agreed to serve as one of four co-chairs joining Representatives Mary Bono Mack and George Miller of California, along with fellow new co-chair, Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland.
“Each member of the caucus brings his or her unique expertise to the discussion and we appreciate Congressman Reichert for recognizing that, in addition to its sporting value, soccer has become a powerful tool in the area of youth development,” said Hill. “In Representative Reichert’s case, his more than 30 years of service in the King County Sheriff’s Office provides a valuable insight into how organized sports, such as soccer, can play a significant role in keeping at-risk youth engaged in activities that serve as an alternative to negative influences. We thank Congressman Reichert for his leadership as a new co-chair of the Soccer Caucus,” added the LWYSA President.
Throughout the U.S., innovative out-of-school soccer programs are keeping kids active, healthy and engaged in positive activities. Whether their youth development focus is education, anti-violence, community service or combating the childhood obesity epidemic, these local organizations all share the same goal -- to use soccer to positively affect the lives of young people in underserved areas. A terrific local example of this is the Seattle SCORES after-school soccer, literacy and community service program, which was co-founded by Crossfire President, Brian Klein (their original board chair) and where Crossfire Treasurer, Steve Hopp serves on their board.
Con. Reichert was recruited to join the caucus by Crossfire President, Brian Klein, who serves on the board of the US Soccer Foundation. “The US Soccer Foundation, which is based in Washington, DC, works very closely with the Congressional Caucus. I am very excited to see Dave take a leadership role. His district covers a huge part of the Washington soccer community. Dave’s work in law enforcement and with youth gives him unique insight into the value of youth soccer. It is great to have him as our advocate.”
The Congressional Soccer Caucus was founded in 2001 with the assistance and support of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States. The Soccer Caucus has been re-established with each new Congress and benefits from the continuity of its returning leaders, as well as the energy which new co-chairs, such as Representative Reichert brings with them to the field. Of note, the State of Washington is home to over 150,000 registered soccer players of all ages and abilities.
We encourage all soccer enthusiasts to get involved by urging their elected leaders to support issues of importance to the soccer community, including the need to provide children with safe places to play and with programs that encourage a healthy lifestyle. To learn more about how you can contact your Member of Congress and request that they “get in the game” and join the Soccer Caucus, please visit the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, at ussoccerfoundation.org
