FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Revolution are launching the club’s third annual “Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E.” initiative this Black History Month from Feb. 20-25. Part of New England’s C.H.A.N.G.E. platform dedicated to promoting social justice and equality, Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E. has raised over $50,000 to bring new soccer equipment at multiple locations since it started in 2021.
During Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E. this February, the Revolution invite local youth soccer organizations and all members of the community to click here to register and donate as individuals or teams, each pledging to record touches with a soccer ball each day from Feb. 20-25. New to this year’s initiative, the number of touches dedicated to each day corresponds to a historical date, person, or figure of significance surrounding Boston’s Black Heritage Trail.
This year’s initiative aims to raise $20,000 to provide funding for 10-12 free soccer clinics and soccer equipment at BCYF branches. In addition, three BCYF locations will host an eight-week still training program for 50 participants and two branches will host coach education sessions led by Revolution Academy coaches.
To date, Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E. has hosted 10 soccer free clinics for more than 250 youth participants at BCYF locations. The program’s fundraising efforts have also helped provide new soccer nets at 10 BCYF community centers throughout Boston neighborhoods, in addition to other soccer equipment items including soccer balls, goalkeeper gloves, pop-up goals, drawstring bags, and drill cones. During these clinics, participants gathered at BCYF locations to practice their soccer skills with guidance from Revolution Academy coaches.
“We are excited to launch the third annual Touches for C.H.A.N.G.E. program,” Revolution President Brian Bilello said. “With tremendous support from our fans, this initiative has helped provide wonderful resources and experiences for Boston-area youth over the last two years. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Boston Centers for Youth & Families in celebrating Black History Month in New England.”
Donations of any amount are welcome and will be used in part to purchase the following soccer equipment:
- $10 donation provides a set of eight (8) drill cones
- $25 donation provides one (1) pair of goalkeeper gloves
- $35 donation provides a soccer ball and drawstring bag
- $150 donation provides a 4’ x 6’ Kwik Flex pop-up goal
All fans are encouraged to join the conversation online by posting #TouchesForChange on social media and share their motivation for participating and for seeking change around issues of social injustice.”
ABOUT C.H.A.N.G.E.:
The New England Revolution are committed to promoting social justice and combating systemic racism through the club’s C.H.A.N.G.E. platform, which encompasses a wide range of fundraising and education initiatives. C.H.A.N.G.E. stands for Converse, Help, Amplify, Nurture, Galvanize, and Educate. Through the C.H.A.N.G.E platform, the club also founded the New England Revolution Players Collaborative Fund in 2021, which donates $20,000 on a bimonthly basis to local organizations leading the charge for social justice and socioeconomic equality. Learn more about the Revolution’s C.H.A.N.G.E. platform by visiting revolutionsoccer.net/change.
ABOUT BOSTON CENTERS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES:
is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates 36 community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees citywide programs including the nationally recognized violence intervention and prevention SOAR Program (formerly Streetworker Program), the GIRLS Initiative, Camp Joy special needs program, and many aquatic offerings.
