Inspiration for the Next Generation of Athletes
We’ve come to a potent time in our history where we’ve been asking ourselves with increased urgency how we can better come together as a community. It’s paramount that we work as a team to bring our visions to fruition and inspiration to others, most importantly our youth. Bud Brown Volkswagen has a strong belief in the power of sport as a transformative agent that can unite people toward a common goal. Soccer, in particular, has a shared language that defies the boundaries of borders, celebrates the power in our spirit, and can be a valuable contributor to growth in young people’s lives.
Creating Equity for the Future
Last November, Volkswagen signed a multi-year partnership extension with U.S. Soccer. Through the partnership, Volkswagen commits to joining U.S. Soccer in its mission to reduce barriers and increase opportunities for underrepresented youth to participate in the sport. Working closely with U.S. Soccer and their partners, Volkswagen will be able to assist in bringing programs and resources to the communities where they are needed most. The aim is to make the sport of soccer more accessible to all youth, regardless of location or background, with a multi-stop VW Youth Soccer Clinics tour.
Diversity and Inclusion
As of this April, this multi-city, national tour has officially launched. The first VW Youth Soccer Clinic took place at St. David’s Performance Center – Parmer Field in Austin, Texas, on April 1st. The rise of our soccer “clinics” is meant to open a place up for a new generation of athletes that may not have otherwise had the opportunity. We want to bring these communities closer to the game they love through greater access, education, and high-quality coaching while addressing issues surrounding sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. The programs are aimed at driving sportsmanship and empowering the next generation of athletes, a powerful intent we happily share with those who have made a name for themselves in the sport.
Major League Impact
Former U.S. Men’s National player and Hall of Famer Clint Dempsey, a Texas Native, teamed up with us for the grand opening, making an appearance and offering his support at the inaugural clinic in Austin. “I’m thrilled to be part of the VW Youth Soccer Clinics and give back to the game I love,” said Dempsey. “The game of soccer taught me many life lessons from a young age, and it’s amazing to see Volkswagen getting in at the grassroots level and making a real difference.” Also present for the opening in Austin was President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Pablo Di Si, who spoke favorably of the new clinics noting that “Not only do they provide a fun and educational atmosphere for all involved, but our partnership with U.S. Soccer also enables participants to meet and learn from some of the best players representing our Women’s and Men’s U.S. National Teams.”
More Than a Dream
We are so proud to be engaging with our next generation of athletes at such early and important stages of their development. The camaraderie that encompasses a larger community should be more than just an imagined concept, and through our intent to outreach, we hope to bring underserved communities into the fold. At Bud Brown VW, we are proud to do our part in creating a more inclusive environment and in making those aspirations a tangible reality.
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