Contact: Ron Gilmore, AYSA 602-433-9202 – [email protected]

Hundreds of AYSA soccer athletes on the field thanks to generous grants

Phoenix, Ariz. — January 5, 2015 – The Arizona Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) in collaboration with MaxInMotion® presented 581 youth soccer players with scholarships for the 2014-2015 season. This year marks the third year of this unique partnership, in which MaxInMotion® has cumulatively awarded $410,000 in funding to AYSA for deserving players. Applications increase every year with about 799 applications being submitted this season from 33 AYSA Clubs across the state.

“MaxInMotion® has helped us accomplish a lot in three years,” said Arizona Youth Soccer Association Executive Director, Leslie Johnson. “Hundreds of boys and girls from across Arizona have enjoyed active soccer seasons thanks to MaxInMotion® and we couldn’t be more appreciative.”

“Athletics teach young people so many skills, from leadership to teamwork to self-discipline,” said Jonah Shacknai, MaxInMotion® President. “MaxInMotion® broadens the universe of children who are able to participate in the caliber of play offered through the AYSA Club network. We are the only charity in Arizona that believes economics shouldn’t be a barrier for talented, deserving young athletes to participate in competitive sports.”

About MaxInMotion® Foundation:

MaxInMotion® provides much needed financial assistance to youth sports programs for underprivileged children and for the development of programs to include special needs populations in youth sports activities. Research shows that participation in youth sports enhances community values, interdependency, and collective responsibility. Physical fitness prevents childhood obesity and has also been linked to reducing school dropout rates, teen pregnancy and high-risk behaviors, all of which pose tremendous consequences to our society.

MaxInMotion® has developed partnerships with other youth sports organizations, including Coyotes Charities, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, Phoenix Suns Charities and the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL). The Arizona Youth Soccer Association has established cycles for application submission, which begin each year in the late spring. Visit www.maxinmotion.org for more details.

MaxInMotion® was founded in memory of Max Shacknai, who embodied the ideal young athlete: passionate, hardworking, and incredibly committed to his teammates. To learn more or to contribute visit www.maxinmotion.org

About Arizona Youth Soccer Association:

Arizona Youth Soccer Association (AYSA) is a 501c(3) non-profit association. AYSA is the official youth soccer association of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. AYSA represents 81 Member Leagues and Clubs comprising membership of more than 39,800 registered players, coaches, referees and league administrators. Servicing the entire state, AYSA provides recreational and competitive opportunities for players of all ages, genders and skill levels. For more information, please visit – www.azyouthsoccer.org