NEW YORK, NY (JULY 30, 2024) - Lega Serie A USA has announced a community partnership with South Bronx United, a New York City nonprofit organization that seeks to use soccer as a tool for social change in the South Bronx.
The partnership - launched at an event at South Bronx United’s facility before Saturday’s friendly between AC Milan and Manchester City at the neighboring Yankee Stadium - is the latest milestone in Lega Serie A’s ‘Calcio in the Community’ program, which is dedicated to fostering positive social impact and empowering young people through soccer across North America.
The relationship will focus on expanding Serie A’s highly successful career panel model, offering the youth served by South Bronx United unique opportunities to connect with soccer industry professionals, gain valuable educational insights, and explore diverse career paths within and beyond the sports industry.
Lega Serie A USA’s career panels have previously been implemented at the Pulisic Stomping Grounds in Miami and at Street Soccer USA’s facility in the South Bronx, garnering positive feedback from participants.
“We are excited to partner with South Bronx United and continue our commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility in the United States, with our flourishing ‘Calcio in the Community’ program,” said Andy Mitchell, President and CEO of Lega Serie A USA. “We have seen great success with our career panel model, and hope to use the platform of Italian soccer to inspire the next generation.”
South Bronx United strives to promote educational achievement, health and wellness, and character development through activities on and off the soccer field, annually serving over 1,700 residents between the ages of four and 24.
Lega Serie A will work closely with South Bronx United to tailor the career panels to meet the needs of the community, providing insight from a range of professionals from various fields, including sports management, coaching, marketing, and media.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Serie A and bring this valuable program to our community,” said Andrew So, South Bronx United Executive Director. “It is our mission to support and empower youth in a community that has been underserved for a long time. This partnership will provide additional opportunities for them to learn, grow, and succeed in high school, college, their careers, and beyond.”
The first career panel event at South Bronx United is planned for the fall and will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, including Lega Serie A representatives, former players, and industry experts, who will share their experiences and advice with the participants.
This partnership marks the latest step in Serie A’s North American ‘Calcio in the Community’ program, highlighting the league’s dedication to bringing positive social impact and empowering young people, harnessing the global platform of Italy’s premier professional soccer league.
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ABOUT LEGA SERIE A
Lega Serie A is Italy's premier professional football league, home to some of the world's most renowned and storied football clubs. Since its inception, the league has been a cornerstone of Italian culture and sportsmanship, captivating millions of fans worldwide with its unique brand of exceptional football. Serie A is confirmed as Europe’s strongest league, taking the top spot in the UEFA Association Coefficient ranking for the 2023-24 season. In 2022, the league opened its U.S. office in NYC to deepen its connection with American fans and brands.
ABOUT LEGA SERIE A USA
Lega Serie A USA opened its office in New York in May 2022, with the objective of expanding the presence of Serie A in North America.
For more information, visit legaseriea.it/en and the Serie A North America Instagram feed
ABOUT SOUTH BRONX UNITED
South Bronx United (SBU) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that reaches more than 1,700 children and young adults through academic enrichment, college prep, mentoring, workforce development, immigration legal services, and soccer programs. Since 2009, the organization has aimed to help at-risk, immigrant, and first-generation youth develop character, teamwork, and leadership skills while reaching towards college and careers.
For more information, visit southbronxunited.org
MEDIA CONTACT
Red Knot Communications
Ryan Bailey ryan@redknotcomms.com
