Over the weekend, members of the Portland Timbers U-23s participated in a special “Lose-the-Shoes” Tournament hosted by Northeast United Soccer Club at Madeleine Field in Portland. The barefoot soccer event helped raise money for Grassroots Soccer and its efforts in HIV/AIDS prevention around the world.
The tournament featured a fun-filled 3-v-3 competition for players of all ages, including a team from the Timbers U-23s, and a unique twist on the world’s game – everyone played without shoes. The day was enjoyed by the hundreds of participants and raised funds for a great cause.
“We are thrilled to participate in programs that have an international focus,” said Sierra Smith, director of community relations for the Timbers. “Grassroot Soccer ties education and sport together to bring awareness to critical health and wellness issues, which is something we are proud to support.”
Proceeds from the tournament benefitted Grassroots Soccer, an international nonprofit that uses the power of soccer in the fight against HIV/AIDS around the world. Funds are used to train health educators in running an interactive, game-based HIV prevention program for at-risk adolescents. Over 270,000 kids and teens have already graduated from the program in 16 African countries and the international effort continues to grow.
The “Lose-the-Shoes” program is becoming more than a fundraising campaign, it is mobilizing the next generation of students, activists and soccer players to unite and actively seek a solution in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For more on the efforts of Grassroots Soccer, visit www.grassrootssoccer.org.
The Timbers U-23s are the development team for the USSF Division-2 Pro League’s Portland Timbers and compete in United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League (PDL). Featuring local standouts and collegiate players from the Northwest, the Timbers U-23s play a 16-game, regular-season schedule, including eight home games throughout the greater-Portland area. The PDL is North America’s top league and development ground for young, up-and-coming players.
