DC Stoddert Soccer is a 501C3 non-profit organization and voluntary contributions have become increasingly vital to the program. While we struggle to keep registration fees as low as possible in order to keep the youth soccer experience affordable (set at the price-point to cover standard costs of uniforms, equipment, referees, insurance, etc.), the additional costs of running recreational and travel soccer programs has increased substantially in recent years. Two key areas impact DC Stoddert Soccer’s budget: scholarship support for children who would otherwise be unable to participate and the rental and maintenance cost of quality playing fields for our children’s games.
In 2007-08, DC Stoddert Soccer spent $118,000 on scholarship aid, supporting over 250 recreational players and 70 travel players. As DC Stoddert Soccer increasingly attracts players from more economically diverse backgrounds, we are committed to covering or defraying costs for needy families so that every child who wishes to play organized soccer can.
Similarly, the costs borne by DC Stoddert Soccer to maintain and rent field space for weekday practices and weekend games has risen dramatically in recent years. We have brokered rental relationships of all-weather fields with area colleges, private schools, and DC Public Schools and is currently negotiating additional affiliations to increase the number of quality fields available; we will partner with DC Department of Parks and Recreation this summer on a major renovation project of two traditional grass fields. This focus on investing in fields worthy of our quality program and talented players comes at a high cost: for 2008-09, over $180,000 is budgeted for rental, maintenance, and renovation of playing fields.
DC Stoddert Soccer is committed to giving all kids, regardless of family income, the opportunity to play organized soccer, and to do so on fields that are well-maintained and appropriate to their level of competitive play. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution to the field, scholarship, or general funds. Thank you for further strengthening youth soccer in Washington, DC. To donate online, please click HERE
