New Youth Soccer Partnership Kicks Off This August
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – July 23, 2015 – In an effort to promote health and fitness for Jacksonville’s youth, the Armada FC and the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast are joining forces to launch a new youth soccer initiative. First Coast kids will now have the unique opportunity to don the jersey of their favorite local soccer club by becoming a member of the YMCA Junior Armada FC.
Youth Soccer at the Y is for children ages 2-17 living in Duval, Baker, Clay, Nassau and St. Johns counties. The eight-week program begins next month and registration is currently underway. The YMCA Junior Armada FC youth soccer program will offer participants the opportunity to interact with Armada FC players through clinics and practice visits throughout the season.
“We are thrilled to partner with such a great organization in the YMCA to promote athletics and health for Jacksonville kids,” said Jacksonville Armada FC President Steve Livingstone. “Many of our players began their soccer careers at a very young age, and we hope this new partnership promotes more kids to enroll in soccer. It is inspiring watching the Jacksonville community embrace this sport and the Armada FC.”
The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. Youth Sports programs at the First Coast YMCA place a priority on family involvement, healthy competition, team building and the value of participation over winning.
“Youth sports are critical in the development of a child, both physically and mentally,” said YMCA of Florida’s First Coast President and CEO Eric Mann. “We are fortunate to have Armada FC as a committed partner in helping our community’s youth develop not only motor skills, but life skills such as confidence, leadership, teamwork and discipline.”
YMCA Junior Armada FC program dates, participant ages and fees vary by location. Participation fees begin at $55 for First Coast YMCA members and $125 for non-members and include a YMCA Junior Armada FC uniform and an end of the season award.
Locations
BAKER COUNTY
CLAY COUNTY
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DUVAL COUNTY
NASSAU COUNTY
ST. JOHNS COUNTY COUNTY
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The Y
For more than 100 years, YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has been providing men, women and children of all ages, and from all walks of life, opportunities to build stronger bonds, live healthy and become more engaged with their communities. Learn more: www.FirstCoastYMCA.org.
Jacksonville Armada FC
The Jacksonville Armada FC is Northeast Florida’s newest professional sports team and a member of the North American Soccer League. The club has set NASL pre-season and regular season attendance records with matches against MLS side Philadelphia Union and NASL side FC Edmonton. The NASL member teams are: Atlanta Silverbacks, Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Indy Eleven, Minnesota United FC, New York Cosmos, Ottawa Fury FC, San Antonio Scorpions FC and Tampa Bay Rowdies. Miami FC and Puerto Rico will begin play in 2016. For more information about the Armada FC, visit www.ArmadaFC.com. Follow the Armada FC on Twitter @ JaxArmadaFC and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/JaxArmadaFC. For more information about the NASL, visit www.NASL.com. Follow the NASL on Twitter @NASLOfficial and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASLfans. Fans can watch every game live at www.NASLlive.com.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jacksonville Armada FC, Eric Scott
escott@ArmadaFC.com, 904-855-2171
Jacksonville Armada FC, Kristen Sell
ksell@daltonagency.com, 904-314-0148
First Coast YMCA, Heather Houston
hhouston@daltonagency.com, 386-216-9472
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