West Columbia, SC – The U.S. Soccer Foundation has awarded a grant to the Congaree Rapid Soccer Association (CRSA) to support the development of soccer fields on the campus of the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the major charitable arm of soccer in the United States, announced that it has awarded 37 grants totaling more than $1.8 million to non-profit organizations serving youth in underserved communities across the nation. 

In its continued effort to grow the game of soccer and utilize it to improve the positive health and social outcomes for children, the U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants to support soccer programming and field-building initiatives nationwide. Non-profit organizations eligible to receive grant funding include those that provide children with the opportunity to play soccer and provide programming aimed at keeping children in under-resourced communities active, healthy, and safe.

“Our goal at the U.S. Soccer Foundation is to provide children with access to quality soccer programs that support both physical and personal development,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “We are pleased to support organizations that not only help grow the game of soccer, but make a positive impact on the lives of the children and families in their communities.”

37 awards were distributed this grant cycle, with 19 bestowed as part of the Safe Places to Play program. The “Safe Places to Play” program seeks to build or enhance field spaces in underserved areas in order to provide spaces that are safe for children to play soccer. To date, the Foundation has helped create or improve more than 1,000 safe places for children nationwide.

“The Congaree Rapid Soccer Association is delighted to receive this tremendous support from the U.S. Soccer Foundation,” said Kevin Heise, Executive Director. “This recognition is the culmination of months of hard work and preparation by a very dedicated committee who share a vision of developing quality soccer fields in the Cayce-West Columbia communities.”

Support for the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s grant process is provided by the Foundation’s corporate partners, including: FieldTurf; Hunter Industries; Musco Sports Lighting; PEVO Sports; Soccer.com; and Sport Court. Since its inception in 1994, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has now awarded more than $60 million in grant awards to non-profit organizations in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

About CRSA
The Congaree Rapid Soccer Association was founded in 1993 and serves more than 350 boys and girls youth soccer players ages 8-18. CRSA’s principle membership includes players from downtown Columbia, Cayce, and West Columbia, but also draws youth from across the Midlands. The soccer club operates as a 501(c)(3) organization and is a member of the West Metro Chamber of Commerce. Site plans have been developed for the Historic Columbia Speedway in Cayce and the club is working to secure financial capital to support this project. The estimate for development of the property is $300,000 and CRSA is actively pursuing financial assistance to fund this endeavor. If you or a business entity would like to contribute to this worthwhile project, please contact Executive Director Kevin Heise at kevin@congareerapid.com.

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation is a recognized leader in sports-based youth development programs for children in underserved, urban communities.  Since its founding in 1994, the organization has provided more than $60 million in funding to create and sustain innovative programs across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Proven to deliver positive health and social outcomes, the Foundation’s affordable initiatives offer safe environments in which both boys and girls thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org to learn more.