The Atlanta Silverbacks and the United Way announced Wednesday that, through Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day

Silverbacks and United Way to promote Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day on April 12

Atlanta Silverbacks file photo

Credits:

Photography by Andrew Snook

Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day will take place onApril 12, the day before the Silverbacks’ 2013 season opener against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.

Prior to 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 provide special offers and discounts for Atlanta Soccer Jersey Day.

Every customer visiting supporting businesses wearing a soccer jersey on April 12 will receive whatever deal is offered at that location. Additionally, customers will be able to contribute to the cause at each partner location through donation boxes or the purchase of $1 jersey pin-ups.

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 proceeds raised 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.

“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.”

“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.”

Atlanta area soccer fans are asked to mark the date in their diary and support the cause by wearing their own soccer shirts on April 12.