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The Atlanta Silverbacks and United Way of Greater Atlanta are joining forces to host Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day, which will be geared toward raising money to fund programs that help local area youth avoid risky behaviors, the two organizations announced Wednesday.

Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day will take place on April 12, the eve of the Silverbacks’ 2013 season opener against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The initiative is the biggest example thus far of a budding partnership between the Silverbacks and United Way, as they come together to use soccer as a positive influence in the Atlanta area.

“We’re absolutely thrilled about Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day because it’s going toward a cause that we feel is very important to the local community,” said Silverbacks General Manager Andy Smith. “We also couldn’t ask for a better organization to join forces with. Our friends at United Way are always at the forefront of initiatives that make all of our local communities better.”

In advance of April 12, the Silverbacks and United Way will be looking for support from local businesses and corporations that want to be involved in the initiative as charitable partners. All corporate partners will be providing special offers and discounts for Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day. Every patron that visits the businesses wearing a soccer jersey on April 12 will receive whatever deal is offered at that location. Additionally, patrons will be able to contribute to the cause at each partner location through donation boxes or the purchase of $1 jersey pin-ups. 

“According to Voices for Georgia’s Children, 43 percent of young children are exposed to risk factors that lead to unhealthy child development,” says United Way President Milton J. Little, Jr. “We are proud to partner with the Atlanta Silverbacks to raise money and face these factors head-on by ensuring children enter school ready to learn, avoid risky behaviors and graduate prepared for careers.”

The Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day will also be promoted throughout Atlanta area schools, which contain thousands of youth soccer players. Atlanta Silverbacks players and coaches will visit these schools leading up to the initiative to promote responsible behavior and encourage the students to wear their own soccer jerseys on April 12.

All of the proceeds raised on Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day will go toward funding United Way-supported programs and providing underprivileged children with tickets to an Atlanta Silverbacks professional soccer game via the club’s “Kicks for Kids” program.

The Silverbacks will kick off their third season as a member of the North American Soccer League (NASL) on Saturday, April 13 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. Single-game and season tickets are currently available through the Silverbacks ticket office, and can be purchased by calling 404-969-4900.

About the Atlanta Silverbacks

The Atlanta Silverbacks are a soccer organization that operates a men’s professional team, a women’s semi-professional team, a men’s reserve team and recreational leagues out of their two facilities, Atlanta Silverbacks Park and Atlanta Silverbacks Suwanee Indoor.  For more information on the Silverbacks, visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com, www.facebook.com/atlantasilverbacks, and www.twitter.com/ATLSilverbacks.

About United Way of Greater Atlanta

United Way of Greater Atlanta is the second largest in the nation with more than $80 million in fundraising. United Way of Greater Atlanta invests in more than 140 programs in 13 counties through the Community Impact Fund and participates in Collaborative Networks with caring community partners to address challenges in education, income, health, and homelessness. For more information on United Way of Greater Atlanta, visit www.unitedwayatlanta.org, www.facebook.com/unitedwayatlanta, and www.twitter.com/unitedwayatl.