SOCCER IN THE STREETS RECEIVES AETNA GRANT AS PART
OF CULTIVATING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
Soccer in the Streets awarded grant through the Aetna Foundation
Soccer in the Streets, a not-for-profit that empowers underserved youth through sports-based training, character development, mentoring, and employability programs, has been selected as a grantee in the Aetna Foundation Cultivating Healthy Communities program and was awarded a grant to assist in the continued expansion of Soccer in the Streets programs at StationSoccer locations that bring the game of soccer to underserved youth in Atlanta.
The Cultivating Healthy Communities program awarded nearly $2 million in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations to advance the Aetna Foundation’s mission to improve health at the local level. Grants will support projects that will address social determinants of health such as improving access to healthy foods, promoting safe public spaces, and reducing exposure to air contaminants. The grantees were chosen based on the strength of their strategies to improve the health of their communities, with an emphasis on resident-led and policy-focused initiatives.
“We are honored to be selected as an Aetna Foundation grant recipient,” said Phil Hill, Executive Director of Soccer in the Streets. “The grant will assist us as we continue to operate and grow the StationSoccer program in Atlanta. ”
“The Aetna Foundation is committed to addressing the social determinants of health in order to reduce health disparities,” said Dr. Garth Graham, president of the Aetna Foundation.“By identifying community-specific challenges, and unique ways to combat them, this year’s grantees are a shining example of organizations who strive to make a measurable and positive local health impact. We are honored to contribute to the great work they are doing in pursuit of health equity.”
Soccer in the Streets will continue its purpose of creating youth leaders and building healthier communities throughout Atlanta. Soccer in the Streets recently opened its second StationSoccer location at the West End MARTA station. The goal is to create a league of stations by utilizing the rail transportation system in Atlanta. By creating fields at transit stations and providing recreational and competitive leagues, eliminating barriers to transportation and cost for underserved youths.
This funding addresses the need to improve opportunities for all Americans—regardless of income, education or ethnic background—to take an active role in living healthier lives. For more information on the Cultivating Healthy Communities program visit, visitwww.aetnafoundation.org.