Club Ambassador Program
For the last two and a half years the FC Cincinnati Foundation has worked with local school districts to bring soccer programming to P.E. classes and recreation centers. The program is led by Omar Cummings, former FC Cincinnati player and current Club Ambassador. Omar along with FCCF staff members visit P.E. classes once a week for three to six weeks.
Each week the program introduces a new soccer skill and character attribute that is taught through group discussions, warm-ups, games, and scrimmages. The goal is to introduce kids to soccer who may not otherwise have the exposure, while incorporating character attributes for players to integrate both on and off the field.
This year due to COVID-19 our team has transformed our program to provide either an in-person or virtual experience. Please fill out which program experience your organization would prefer and our staff will reach out to provide additional information.
Learning Is Cool
Learning Is Cool is an educational program that recognizes and rewards students across 68 schools in the Greater Cincinnati area for achieving the “A” Honor Roll (GPA 3.51+) at the end of each grading period. Students who reach the goal for two or more quarters are invited to an end-of-year celebration with FCC coaches and team held at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in June. FCCF engage with participating schools throughout the year to continue to encourage academic excellence, the importance of getting a sound education, regardless of the student's career aspirations. It is our goal to ensure students know that their successes matter, not only to themselves, their families and their teachers, but to others in the community as well.
West End Pride SAY Soccer Teams
The FC Cincinnati Foundation funds and coordinates SAY soccer teams in the West End for children ages 4-14. The West End Pride is a free soccer program for all children who live or attend school within the West End community. Each season over 100 players participate with registration growing each session. Along with learning the game and playing against peers in other communities, participants received a full uniform, shin guards and cleats.
If you would like to volunteer to coach, please fill out the form here.
Mini Pitches
With the goal to provide a safe space for children to play in Cincinnati, the FC Cincinnati Foundation has committed to build a minimum of 10 mini pitches throughout the City of Cincinnati by 2024. The goal of the mini-pitch initiative is to build the safe spaces for children to play in locations with access to both scheduled soccer programming and free play.
A lack of physical activity impacts a healthy well-being which impacts learning. We will overcome these barriers giving these kids another avenue of social engagement and physical activity in their neighborhoods.
Current locations:
- Lincoln Recreation Center, West End
- Hartwell Recreation Center, Hartwell
- Common Ground at Makino Park, Mason
WHAT IS FC CINCINNATI FOUNDATION?
FC Cincinnati Foundation [501(c)(3)] launched in December 2018 ahead of FC Cincinnati’s Inaugural Season in MLS. The Foundation aims to improve the lives of children in the Greater Cincinnati Area through the love of soccer, fulfilling this mission through programming with key partners including Cincinnati Public Schools and Cincinnati Recreation Commission. Programming will be based around nutrition, physical activity, character building and education.
PARTNER BENEFITS
Grants and donations of all sizes are appreciated. FC Cincinnati Foundation (FCCF) partners will receive benefit packages commensurate with the level of involvement and program type. Opportunities may include logo or name recognition within the program and/or event, invitations to FCCF and FCC events, a player appearance for a business event/outing, FCC home game tickets, and more.