The Crew in the Community

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The Columbus Crew organization does not confine its efforts to the field of play. Beyond wins, losses and entertainment is the club's commitment to making a difference in its community.

Crew players, coaches and front office staff have worked diligently to help make central Ohio a better place since the inaugural 1996 season. Whether through in-kind donations or appearances by Crew Cat, players and staff at charity events, clinics, festivals and parades, the Crew is committed to playing a significant role in the lives of the greater-Columbus community. And the organization's charitable arm, the Crew Soccer Foundation, plays a vital role in those efforts as well.

Since 2003, the organization has undertaken an annual, month-long fund-raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation called "Soccer Aid," originally launched by former coach Greg Andrulis. In its first seven years, the unique Soccer Aid program, which combines on-line auctions of signed jerseys with an on-field, game-day experience at Crew Stadium, has raised $35,000.

Crew players, coaches and staff also participate in a number of community partnerships, including a longstanding collaboration with Keep Columbus Beautiful on Linden area clean-up efforts and Habitat for Humanity on efforts to build homes for families in need.

Another part of our outreach efforts is aimed at visiting area schools, hospitals and recreation centers. Each child who participates in these visits receives a copy of the Crew Soccer Foundation's GOALS for KIDS life skills handbook which focuses on teaching life skills through soccer and our loveable mascot Crew Cat! Through interactive quizzes, activities and puzzles, the guide helps children understand more about wellness, community service, sportsmanship, leadership and scholarship.

The Crew Soccer Foundation also delivers several programs to assist children in our local community. Kicks for Kids provides donated Crew game tickets to local children's organizations. It's your opportunity to give inner-city kids, honor students and other deserving young people an unforgettable experience in the nation's first major-league stadium built specifically for soccer - one-of-a-kind Columbus Crew Stadium! The Crew Soccer Foundation also assists young people through an annual Referee Scholarship. The scholarship assists youngsters ages 14 to 18 who have the desire but not the means to obtain referee training, certification and a uniform.

More information on any of the Crew community outreach programs or the Crew Soccer Foundation can be obtained by calling Dave Stephany or Robin Ungerleider at 614-447-CREW.