NEW YORK – MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, and The Home Depot, the official home improvement retailer of MLS, announced today the launch the 2011 Community MVP contest. A component of the MLS W.O.R.K.S. community service program, Unite. Volunteer. Serve., the Community MVP contest seeks to identify MLS fans who are passionate about making a difference in the lives they touch and are dedicated to improving their communities.
During the 8-week contest, fans throughout the League will have an opportunity to apply themselves or nominate individuals who are committed to going above and beyond in their communities. Winners will be selected based on their efforts in one of the following areas: general community service; youth programming; environmental sustainability; health and wellness; education; military or civic service.
One (1) Community MVP will be chosen to represent each of the 18 MLS clubs. Winners will receive a $500 gift card provided by The Home Depot and a trip to the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena on July 27. Barclay’s English Premier League leader Manchester United will return as the AT&T MLS All-Star Game opponent. Round-trip coach airfare will be provided by American Airlines and hotel stays are courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton. Official MLS merchandise will also be a part of the prize package along with a crystal award from Tiffany & Co.
“We are extremely grateful to our fans for their support of the charitable initiatives of the League, clubs and players,” said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of Major League Soccer. “The Community MVP contest provides an opportunity for us to recognize the tremendous service work that our fans are doing every day to improve their communities.”
Nominations must be 500 words or less and can be submitted by visiting www.MLSsoccer.com/communitymvp. The contest will be open until June 24, 2011 at 7:59pm ET. Following the announcement of winners, fans will have an opportunity to vote for one (1) grand prize winner who will receive a $10,000 donation to their charity of choice. Make sure to “like” MLS on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MLS) and visit the MLS W.O.R.K.S. tab to vote from July 8-22. All 18 winners will be recognized and the grand prize winner will be announced during halftime of the 2011 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena.
ABOUT MLS W.O.R.K.S.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. Unite. Volunteer. Serve., MLS W.O.R.K.S. community service program, is a collaborative effort to combine sport and service, promote goodwill within MLS markets and improve lives and communities at the grassroots level.
For more information visit the website at www.MLSsoccer.com/works.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. Major League Soccer’s 16th season, which will feature 18 clubs each playing 34 regular season matches, kicked off on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. The 18 clubs are: Chicago Fire; Chivas USA; 2010 MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; LA Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; Philadelphia Union; Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Sporting Kansas City; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural seasons, Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps. An expansion team in Montreal will debut in 2012. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official website at www.MLSsoccer.com.
