In Metro Atlanta, Soccer in the Streets strives to give back to the surrounding communities. As we operate three StationSoccer locations - and plan to build more - our goal is that they become second homes to the youth and adult soccer players. However, without the help of Atlanta’s corporations, none of this would be possible.
The list is long for those that have supported Soccer in the Streets. A few companies to highlight are CEMEX, Deloitte, and Salesforce. These three corporations have shown commitment to the StationSoccer locations and youth community programs.
Ready Mix USA, a CEMEX USA company, has become a partner over the past year for the organization and provided the foundations for both the StationSoccer- West End and East Point locations. CEMEX not only donated cement but is helping create a safe space for youth to play the beautiful game of soccer.
The concrete has been used for curbs and sidewalks for fields strategically planned near transit stations to provide easy access for children in neighborhoods.
“At CEMEX, we are always looking for opportunities to contribute to improved quality of life and wellbeing in the communities in which we live and operate,” said Alberto de Armas, CEMEX Senior Vice President – Human Resources. “We are proud to support Soccer in the Streets. Our responsible business strategy closely aligns with the organization’s mission to help youth develop employable skills and promote healthy lifestyles. Through programs like Soccer in the Streets, we can build more sustainable communities. We will continue exploring additional ways we can support Soccer in the Streets, including through our global volunteering program, CEMEX Unite.”
Deloitte, a consulting company that works with many of the world’s most admired brands, has been involved with Soccer in the Streets for two years. They have shown that they are more than a consulting company and are now leaders to the youth players in Soccer in the Streets.
A group of more than 50 Deloitte employees spent their 2019 Impact Day helping to improve our Clarkston FC facilities and providing job readiness skills by teaching our youth how to prepare for a successful job interview. Impact Day is defined as a day for collaborating with an outside organization and giving back to the community
“It was great to see the immediate impact of our work and be able to meet some of the great kids in the program,” said Deloitte Vice President of Sales Software Solutions, Rebecca Dupree, who led Impact Day. “Many of the youth players had never heard of a resume, and it was empowering to help them think about their futures.”
To improve the lives of these children and provide safe places, fundraising is a key success factor. Salesforce has done just that in many years of participating in Corporate Cup, one of four fundraising events at Soccer in the Streets benefiting the youth of Atlanta.
As one of the many corporations that raised thousands of dollars for the organization, Salesforce has taken home the fundraising trophy the past two years in a row at Corporate Cup.
"At Salesforce, we put an emphasis on giving back to our local community," said Hotchkiss. "I am so proud that my friends, family, coworkers, and business partners all came together to help us raise the most donations for Soccer in the Streets."
Salesforce as well has logged in hundreds of hours of volunteering at the community and school programs helping coach the youth players. Giving back to the kids has been a top priority for this corporation, to step out of the office and onto the pitch has been eye-opening and rewarding for the employees of Salesforce.
The collaboration and support we have received speak volumes to us the shared belief in the importance of community social responsibility and how individual employees can make a difference. As an organization, we want to give a big thanks to all the corporations and partners that have given back to the youth and helped contribute to Soccer in the Streets’ social impact soccer initiative.