Sounders FC Youth Camps see Huge Increase in Registration

Group Health to provide scholarships to area youth.

RENTON, Wash. - The Sounders FC announced today 3,500 youth has already signed up for the soccer camps and five locations have already reached full capacity. Registration is up by nearly 1200 campers from the same date in 2009.

As co-presenting partner of the youth camps, Group Health will work with Sounders FC staff to integrate nutrition and healthy lifestyle tips into the summer camp curriculum. They will also offer scholarships to area youth.

"Soccer ties in perfectly with Group Health's goal of wellness and an active lifestyle, and who better to focus on than kids?" said Paul Sherman, Group Health medical director for strategy deployment. "If we can get kids out on the soccer field and educate them on nutrition, they'll have a solid foundation for a healthier life."

The Seattle Sounders FC will host 55 soccer skills camps for boys and girls ages 4-15 throughout the Northwest this summer. The camps will feature a diverse and expert coaching staff composed of local high school, college, professional and former professional players. Each camp will include a skill based curriculum, adidas soccer ball, Sounders FC t-shirt, appearances by Sounders FC technical staff, discount coupon for Sounders FC merchandise, and the opportunity to meet the team at the Sounders FC Camper Appreciation Day.

"We are excited to incorporate Group Health's expertise on nutrition into our overall camp programming," said Sounders FC general manager and owner Adrian Hanauer. "Making healthy food choices will help campers perform at their very best on and off the field."