Woodcraft Rangers and LA Galaxy Partner on Youth Soccer Tournament to Support Health Through Physical Activity

Online, March 23, 2011 (Newswire.com) - This Saturday and Sunday 28 teams of 10-14 year-olds from all over Los Angeles County will take part in WeekEndZone, a double elimination soccer tournament held at Columbia Park in Torrance. WeekEndZone is hosted by Woodcraft Rangers, a non-profit agency specializing in development programs for at-risk youth. LA Galaxy has partnered with Woodcraft Rangers to provide the playing fields and referees for the games.

"With experts estimating that nearly one in three children and teens in this country are overweight or obese, the term "healthy competition" takes on a whole new connotation," noted Woodcraft Rangers CEO Cathie Mostovoy. "It's unfortunate that limited budgets for schools, community based organizations, and local governments are eroding the avenues that have traditionally given kids access to recreational sports. WeekEndZone is a response to that. It's not just about winning a championship; it's about working as a team, gaining confidence, getting healthy and combating obesity, all while having fun."

WeekEndZone will crown champions in both Boys and Girls Divisions. Members of the top three teams will receive individual trophies. The tournament is free and open to the public.

Columbia Park is located at 4045 190th St., Torrance, CA 90504

ABOUT WOODCRAFT RANGERS
Woodcraft Rangers is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is guiding young people as they explore pathways to purposeful lives. Incorporated in 1922, Woodcraft Rangers currently operates Nvision afterschool programs at 71 public schools throughout Los Angeles County. Last year the agency served over 18,000 students aged 6 to 18. Woodcraft programs offer academics, sports and unique courses based on input from students and their families, including web design, fashion, photography, skateboarding, robotics, magazine publishing and multi-media production. Nvision programs help improve academic performance, enhance social skills, promote healthy behaviors, and reduce the risk of gang/crime involvement, teen pregnancy and other negative behaviors such as experimentation with drugs and alcohol. The agency is headquartered at 1625 W. Olympic Boulevard, Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90015.

For further information, visit www.woodcraftrangers.org.