Soccer is more than just a game. It's a way for people to gain lifelong skills and lessons they can take with them when the final whistle blows. People who participate in team sports, such as soccer, enjoy more physical and mental health benefits than people with other pastimes. For kids, being active at a young age encourages habits of a healthy lifestyle. Beyond that, it helps develop confidence, self-esteem, and improve skills like goal-setting, time management, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.
When put together, these health benefits have a positive impact on long-term mental health. While these benefits are tangible and important, not everyone has access to participate. That's why we created the Flock Soccer Foundation.
The Flock Soccer Foundation is deeply invested in our mission of being a resource for the burgeoning soccer community here in the Madison area. Playing this game on the youth level in the country is not an inexpensive journey, however. Teams need a place to play, nets, uniforms, league entry fees, etc. Oftentimes, these fees are passed on to the players and families who want to participate and can cause a financial burden, if not a complete roadblock for entry. Thus, one of the FSF’s biggest aims is to eliminate pay-for-play in the ways we know are possible and achievable. Our grant gives us an opportunity to do that for the programs and athletes we are dedicated to serving and for the generations of players to come.
We currently partner with Millennium Soccer Club and Capital East Soccer Club, local soccer clubs that provide opportunities to under-served communities and have programs that help make soccer more affordable. We want to give our communities access to soccer programs and the health benefits that come with them regardless of physical ability or their families' finances. If you represent an organization that could benefit from the Foundation’s support, please fill out a grant request.
As we have discussed, there are still barriers for athletes to play our beautiful game. Many programs or teams require heavy entry fees, travel costs, personal gear, and other costs before a ball is even kicked. The FSF firmly believes that if you can play, you can play. Named after the Forward Madison Assistant Coach, an integral piece to the Madison soccer community for the last five decades, the Jim Launder Scholarship program was created to help reduce those financial barriers on individual families and athletes in and around the Madison area and get them on the field. The scholarship encourages young athletes to be an advocate for themselves by actively complete the application themselves. This ensures they have a vested interest and passion for the beautiful game, and more importantly, for themselves and their development as a player.
It goes without saying, but without Forward Madison FC and the action they provide at Breese Stevens Field, the FSF would cease to exist. It was through those games on East Washington Avenue’s legendary venue that a connection and relationship was forged between the fans at the game and the community beyond the stands. But, as we have mentioned previously, access to matches still remains troublesome for some individuals and families. The FSF Ticket Donation program was created to give fans the chance to donate tickets that would be unused for FMFC matches and give someone else the opportunity to experience the magic of a Flamingos match. This not only widens the access for others within our community but can also serve as a tool for other community organizations to build off for their families.
None of the tremendous ventures the FSF takes on could happen without the generous support and commitment from our volunteers. Volunteers are the paramount piece to all of this. And the best part? They’re people from this community, dedicated to helping this community. The FSF presents numerous ways to give back, such as the Flock Food Project. The FSF has numerous plots where we grow vegetables, flowers and more, all for donation to local food banks. We also collaborate with Forward Madison FC on community-based ventures throughout the city, such as volunteer nights with Habitat for Humanity. All are welcomed to join in any volunteer events. Not only is it an easy way to make an investment in the community, but it’s also great self-care. After all, when you do good, you feel good!
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