Beyond the Game: How A World Cup Vision United Over 25,000 American Youth and an Impoverished South African Township.

Online, June 14, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Khayelitsha, South Africa June 14, 2010 - This year's World Cup in South Africa has a connection with an American youth soccer franchise company. Soccer Shots, a growing network of 48 franchises across the United States and Canada, and its non-profit arm, Global Goals, celebrated their campaign to raise awareness and funds for Amandla Ku Lutsha (AKL), a non-profit organization in Khayelitsha, South Africa. The organization provides opportunities for disadvantaged youth, specifically those who are orphaned.

Global Goals has pledged $30,000 to AKL by donating a portion of every registered child in the Soccer Shots program over the last three seasons. Additionally, Soccer Shots owners hosted clinics that raised funds in various communities throughout the United States.

On June 11 - the opening day of the World Cup - Soccer Shots representatives from the United States, AKL leaders and the Khayelitsha community commemorated this partnership through a traditional South African celebration on Chris Campbell Memorial Field in Khayelitsha Township. Soccer Shots partner Justin Bredeman and 28 other Americans representing the U.S. supporters of AKL, as well as a number of local Khayelitsha dignitaries, attended the traditional ceremony, complete with dancers, drummers and local choirs. Soccer Shots representatives remained in Khayelitsha for several days, working with AKL to coach clinics for the community.

Soccer Shots Global Goals was inspired by the 2010 World Cup being held in South Africa. The opportunity to connect with the work of South Africa-based organization Amandla Ku Lutsha came through the Chris Campbell Center, which has built a soccer field in Khayelitsha. Located on the outskirts of Cape Town, Khayelitsha is South Africa's largest settlement with a population of 1.3 million, most of whom are poverty-stricken.

Khayelitsha is plagued by rape, violence and poverty. In this township, over 14,000 children have lost parents to HIV/AIDS. Amandla Ku Lutsha is a prominent organization that goes beyond giving young people a safe place to play soccer - it is working to reduce violence by using the game to educate youth, teach life skills and create a sanctuary for the community.

About Soccer Shots:
Soccer Shots is an introduction to soccer program for young boys and girls ages 3 to 8 across North America. Our classes develop healthy living habits, self-esteem, and a lifelong love of soccer and fitness. Through fun activities, our unique method of teaching soccer goes beyond the game to enhance balance, coordination and agility alongside lessons that teach themes like teamwork, appreciation and sharing. All Soccer Shots instructors love working with children and are both energetic and enthusiastic. The Soccer Shots program reaches over 14,000 children per season and is operated in over 50 territories, representing 23 U.S. states and one Canadian province (and counting).