New Partner: Leveling the Playing Field

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Leveling the Playing Field Partners with MSYSA to Grow the Game of Soccer!

GLENWOOD, MD (March 4, 2021): The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) has entered a strategic partnership with Leveling the Playing Field (LPF), an organization that helps underprivileged children have an opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of youth sports participation. This partnership will serve to further grow the game of soccer within Maryland and the District of Columbia. LPF was founded in 2013 in response to the growing inequity between those that can afford to play sports and those that cannot, and the prominent role the cost of sporting goods was playing in that gap.

After working in youth sports, college athletics, and professional football, LPF Founder, Max Levitt realized the volume of equipment that goes to waste from elementary school aged kids all the way up to our professional sports franchises. In response, he decided to develop essentially a food bank for sports equipment.

As part of the partnership, MSYSA will help to coordinate donation centers at State Cup and Presidents Cup events as well as encouraging affiliates to donate new and gently used equipment that may no longer be needed. Additionally, LPF will connect MSYSA with soccer programs and players receiving the donated equipment to create an opportunity for providing even more support and services.

MSYSA Executive Director Greg Smith said, “Partnering with Leveling the Playing Field is a true honor.” He went on to say, “We look forward to working together to provide the equipment, support, and opportunities needed to get even more children playing the beautiful game of soccer in Maryland and DC!”

"On behalf of the entire LPF team, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to grow our partnership with MSYSA,” said LPF Baltimore Program Director Kaitlin Brennan. “LPF has seen first-hand the positive impact that soccer can have on a child's life. We look forward to working with MSYSA to harness the incredible power of the youth soccer community here in Maryland to help ensure that all kids have the opportunity to play the beautiful game.”

Contact:

Greg Smith, director@msysa.org

Kaitlin Brennan, kaitlin@levelingtheplayingfield.org

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About MSYSA:

MSYSA is a member of the US Soccer Federation as a National State Association and is affiliated with US Youth Soccer. MSYSA serves as the primary advocate for youth soccer in the state of Maryland and the District of Columbia. MSYSA is dedicated to offering the highest quality soccer education, player development, and programs while fostering sportsmanship, fitness, diversity, teamwork, and passion for the game. Learn more at msysa.org or on Facebook and Twitter.

About Leveling the Playing Field:

Leveling the Playing Field gives children from under-resourced communities the opportunity to enjoy the mental and physical benefits of youth sports participation. We do this through the donation of used and excess sporting equipment to programs and schools serving low-income communities. Our donations allow programs to allocate funds saved by lowering registration fees, expanding their scholarship programs, enhancing their existing athletic program and/or developing new ones. Learn more at levelingtheplayingfield.org or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.