FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2023
SD Loyal Partners With PureGame to Launch Character Matters School
ProgramSan Diego County schools encouraged to register for the sport-based social emotional learning program
SAN DIEGO (May 23, 2023) – San Diego Loyal SC announced today that it has partnered with Southern California nonprofit PureGame to launch Character Matters, a school-based program that uses soccer as a platform to help students develop essential life skills including leadership, teamwork, communication and decision-making.
Character Matters, which teaches lessons in character education and social emotional learning through soccer and other sport-based activities, is delivered through in-school, after school or summer school formats. SD Loyal will support PureGame's unique experiential learning program in the San Diego area through player appearances, collaboration, sponsorship and student recognition events.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with PureGame to further expand our impact in the community,” said SD Loyal Vice President of Community Relations, Shannon Mac Millan. “With a clear commitment to developing positive character skills for students while encouraging physical activity, PureGame’s programing and curriculum was in clear alignment with our club values. We remain committed to bettering our local community through the power of sport and PureGame is the perfect teammate to foster a positive impact.”
PureGame's innovative S.T.A.R. (Stop. Think. Act. Review.) and S.O.C.C.E.R.R. (Self-Control, Optimism, Compassion, Cooperation, Encouragement, Respect and Responsibility) teaching platforms infuse a cooperative and inclusive style of sport-based activities and field games with social emotional learning. The character curriculums are designed to engage students in a unique experiential learning process that challenges them to develop life skills, have fun, be active, and build positive relationships.
“We are delighted to partner with SD Loyal,” said Tony Everett, Founder and Chief Encouragement Officer at PureGame. “At PureGame, we provide caring mentors and a sport-based character education program to help kids connect with peers, find clarity, and pave pathways to success because all young people deserve to live a meaningful life.”
For more information about PureGame program, visit thepuregame.org. San Diego County schools interested in bringing Character Matters to their campus are encouraged to send an email to sdloyal@thepuregame.org.
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PRESS CONTACTS
SD Loyal | Thomas Caughlin, thomasc@sdloyal.com, (619) 587-4771
PureGame | Cristina Velasquez, cristina@thepuregame.org, (714) 357-3698ABOUT
SAN DIEGO LOYAL SOCCER CLUB
Launched on June 19, 2019, San Diego Loyal SC is a men’s professional soccer team that competes in The USL Championship, one of the fastest-growing professional soccer leagues in the world. In its third season in 2022, San Diego Loyal SC saw record crowds at Torero Stadium (University of San Diego) and secured a second consecutive playoff spot. The club is led by Chairman Andrew Vassiliadis, the youngest principal owner in The USL Championship. Landon Donovan, one of the most decorated soccer players in the U.S., leads the technical side as Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations and veteran soccer executive, Ricardo Campos, serves as Club President. On the field, the club will be led by first year Head Coach Nate Miller. For more information on the club, visit sdloyal.com.
ABOUT PUREGAME
Founded in 2009, PureGame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching character values and fostering social emotional learning for youth through an engaging and inclusive form of soccer. Our mission is to provide a platform for personal growth, teamwork, and resilience for children in our community. PureGame offers innovative in-school and after-school programming for elementary and middle schools in Orange County and neighboring communities. By collaborating with educational institutions, we integrate our character education curriculum with social emotional learning and the joy of soccer, creating a holistic learning experience for our participants. Central to PureGame's success are our dedicated coaches, who we affectionately refer to as "Field Champions." These coaches serve as positive role models and mentors for the youth we work with by forming meaningful connections with our participants. Our Field Champions create a safe and supportive environment where character development can thrive. Join Pure Game today and help us shape the leaders of tomorrow through the power of soccer and character education. For more information on PureGame, visit thepuregame.org.
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