PORTLAND, Ore.
– The Portland Timbers today announced details of a new partnership with the Oregon Youth Soccer Association (OYSA).
The Timbers, a member of the USL First Division of professional soccer, and OYSA will team up to promote the sport of soccer through the extensive partnership. Founded in 1974, OYSA is a non-profit youth organization that administers, supports & grows soccer across the state of Oregon. OYSA’s membership consists of 110 soccer clubs, 56,000 youth players and over 6,000 volunteers & coaches. The organization’s mission is to “foster an environment that promotes the physical, mental and emotional development of Oregon's youth through the sport of soccer.”
“Partnering with the OYSA on this scale will be invaluable to the Timbers,” said Chris Agnello, head coach and general manager of the Timbers. “OYSA is the largest youth soccer institution in the state, and we look forward to working with the great people in their organization for many years to come.”
The new agreement includes several cross-promotional components, such as field usage at PGE Park, coaching and administrative assistance, and additional marketing elements to further foster the development of soccer in the state.
“I am delighted to have formalized our partnership with the Portland Timbers,” said Chuck Keers, executive director of OYSA. “This new agreement will strengthen both organizations and will help soccer grow and touch more lives in Oregon.”
The Timbers also will present an “Oregon Youth Soccer Foundation Night” when Portland plays host to the Seattle Sounders on June 3. This special event will feature a fan tunnel as well as a mini-tournament at halftime of the match. The sixth-annual Oregon Youth Soccer Night will be held August 18 when the Timbers take on the Puerto Rico Islanders, a match that will feature a variety of special events. Tickets to both events will be specially priced at $9 for OYSA members and family, with the Timbers donating $2 from each ticket sold to the OYSA.
Portland kicks off its sixth USL First Division season on Saturday, April 22, against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Swangard Stadium. The Timbers open the home portion of their season by playing host to the Whitecaps at PGE Park on Friday, May 5. A variety of season ticket options are available by calling the Timbers ticket office at (503) 553-5555. For detailed ticket information, go to www.portlandtimbers.com.
