2008 Streets to Fields Gala

U.S. Soccer Foundation and MLS W.O.R.K.S. honor Anschutz, Paterson and Pelé; More than $500,000 generated to support new field for FC Harlem and its soccer program

The U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Major Charitable Arm of Soccer in the United States, and MLS W.O.R.K.S., co-hosted a Black tie Gala fundraiser at Gotham Hall in New York City on Wednesday, March 19 that celebrated the sport of soccer in the U.S., and paid tribute to several key individuals who have had a profound impact on the growth of the game. (UPDATED: New Photos!). (MLS Photo Gallery)

"For me to be here to present this to the greatest sportsmen of all time, I feel particularly honored," L.A. Galaxy midfielder, David Beckham told reporters. "This absolutely is a highlight moment for me." (photo credit: Howard Smith, ISI)

Phillip Anschutz, owner-operator of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo, received the Leadership Award, and was introduced by New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft. Anschutz has played an instrumental role in sustaining Major League Soccer during the league’s formidable years (at one time owning and operated six MLS teams) when other investors were skeptical about the future of soccer.

In his acceptance speech, Anschutz expressed his optimistic outlook about the continued growth of the game: “The future of soccer over the next 20 years is really extraordinary…People are beginning to understand that it’s the fastest growing sport in this country and it's yet to reach its potential.”

Pelé accepts his Lifetime Achievement award. (photo credit: Howard Smith, ISI)

Irvine Smalls, Jr., Executive Director of FC Harlem, accepted the Community Service Award on behalf of Governor David A. Paterson, who was unable to attend the charitable event due to his recent inauguration as the 55th Governor of the State of New York.

International soccer icon David Beckham presented fellow soccer ambassador, Pelé, with the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Pele’s fame and notoriety in the New York community speaks for itself and he is credited with helping launch the boom of grassroots soccer at the youth level during his time with the New York Cosmos of North American Soccer League. While with the Cosmos, Pelé introduced millions of Americans to soccer and created an excitement and buzz around the sport – similar to the effect Beckham has had since joining the L.A. Galaxy. Together, they have inspired the world to watch, take interest in and support soccer.

Sunil Gulati, President of the U.S. Soccer Federation, John Koskinen, President of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Brad Hays, Chairman of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Daniel Flynn, U.S. Soccer Foundation Board Member stand next to one of the signboards at the 2008 Gala benefiting Harlem Youth Soccer (photo credit: Howard Smith, ISI)

During his acceptance speech Pelé said, "I congratulate all of you who made this possible because we are going to have a built place here and continue to give to the kids the opportunity to come from the street, to stay out from the drugs, and to be in the sport.”

All proceeds from the $1,250-a-plate black-tie fundraiser at Gotham Hall will benefit FC Harlem/Harlem Youth Soccer to build a world-class soccer field for its players and develop an after-school soccer and leadership training program.

Last August, Beckham helped raise awareness for the need to develop more recreational spaces in urban communities such as historic Harlem by holding a soccer clinic for the youth players of FC Harlem.

Major League Soccer Commissioner, Don Garber, served as the Banquet Chair. (photo credit: Howard Smith, ISI)

David Beckham reflected on his experience with the children of FC Harlem at a press conference held after the clinic: "Today has been one of the best days since I arrived in America. One of my passions is working with kids and seeing kids having fun. . . . In Harlem today, some of the kids had ability and some of them didn't, but they were out there enjoying themselves playing soccer."

Brad Hays, Chairman of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, David Beckham, and John Koskinen, President of the U.S. Soccer Foundation at the 2008 Gala. (photo credit: Howard Smith, ISI)

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber served as the Banquet Chair, and was assisted by Donald Cogsville, a former U.S. National Team player and FC Harlem Board member, and Tim Leiweke, President & CEO of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles Galaxy soccer teams. Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and William Jefferson Clinton lent their personal support as Honorary Co-Chairs. Both Presidents were unable to attend but congratulated the honorees and children of FC Harlem through video statements that were shown during the event, stating their belief that urban soccer programs like FC Harlem help foster safe and interactive environments for children to acquire leadership and life skills through the sport of soccer.

"It's critical for the kids of the inner city to really reach out," Bush said in the taped message. "It will change lives."

"Harlem is a wonderful diverse community," Clinton said in his taped message. He noted that participating in sports would help children "reach the ultimate goal -- to become leaders off the field."

Supporting FC Harlem is consistent with the mission of the U.S. Soccer Foundation to increase opportunities for coaches, players and referees to engage in the sport of soccer, with a particular emphasis on economically-disadvantaged urban areas in the United States. Since the creation of the Foundation after the 1994 Men’s World Cup, the Foundation has invested over $48 million in the development of the game.

HOW TO HELP

To make a tax-deductible donation to support the field building project and FC Harlem's after-school programming, please click here.

100 percent of your gift will go directly to this urban soccer initiative to help create more playing opportunities for children in Harlem and surrounding communities to play soccer.

BANQUET BENEFICIARY

Founded in 1991, FC Harlem/Harlem Youth Soccer’s mission is to use soccer and the positive values associated with team sports to empower communities and families by providing youth opportunities to become young L.I.O.N.S! (Leaders In Our Neighborhoods.) For more information, visit www.fcharlemlions.org.

BANQUET PARTNERS

MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's first league-wide community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people. For more on MLS W.O.R.K.S., visit www.mlsnet.com/mls/programs/mls_works/about.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation was established in 1994 to manage the surplus funds generated by the 1994 FIFA World Cup held in the United States.  Under the guidance of its Board of Directors, the Foundation has taken a leading role in supporting the continuous development of the sport at all levels. For more information, or to donate online, please visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org.