The Confederation and SCCL teams unite to raise awareness through football clinics on diversity, education and the benefits of a healthy diet

Miami (Monday, February 22, 2016) – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) today announced it will hold for the first time ever a series of social initiatives and football clinics, in a joint effort with the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) quarterfinalists. Beginning on February 22, the initiative aims to raise awareness through football about the importance of understanding and respecting diversity, while encouraging younger generations to adopt healthy habits.

“The Confederation is partnering with SCCL teams to instill the love for the game of football in young people, while using the sport’s power to create a positive impact in the communities we serve,” said CONCACAF Acting General Secretary Ted Howard. “We have a responsibility to use football’s unique platform to educate and improve health, well-being and social inclusion.”

The football clinics will take place during the SCCL knockout stage in the quarterfinalists’ home venues providing an opportunity in which approximately 600 youth and children of all ages, will learn about core themes while increasing their skillset within the game.

Eight teams including America, DC United, Gallos Blancos de Queretaro, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Santos Laguna, Seattle Sounders, and Tigres, will battle for the crown of the Confederation’s club championship.

The events will allow the participating children to attend the corresponding SCCL match after the conclusion of the football clinics.

In addition, some activities will provide those attending with an opportunity to meet local coaches and players from each team.

CONCACAF supports initiatives which leverage the power of football, to promote causes such as diversity, inclusiveness and education on a range of topics including nutrition and the benefits of exercising and a healthy diet.

As part of CONCACAF’s Embrace Diversity campaign, the Confederation encourages the respect and inclusion as a key value of football and society.

The quarterfinal round begins the evening of Tuesday, February 23, when four-time Major League Soccer champion DC United visit first-time quarterfinalist Gallos Blancos de Queretaro, at 8 pm ET (7 pm local), followed by a nightcap in Seattle when defending Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League titlist Club America kicks off its quarterfinal series with Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field (10 pm ET/ 7 pm local).

The following day, Wednesday, February 24, features two more match-ups between Liga MX and Major League Soccer, as Tigres host Real Salt Lake (8 pm ET/7 pm local) in Monterrey. That same night, 2014 MLS champion LA Galaxy hosts Santos Laguna of Liga MX at the StubHub Center in Carson, California at 10 pm ET/7 pm local.

The second legs of the quarterfinals will take place the first week of March, beginning with a March 1 return leg showdown between DC United and Gallos Blancos at historic R.F.K. Stadium in Washington, D.C., set for 8 pm ET. Later that evening, LA Galaxy and Santos Laguna settle their series south of the border in Torreon, at 10 pm ET (9 pm local).

The final two semifinalists will be determined the following night. The Wednesday evening double header kicks off at 8 pm ET in Mexico City, where Club America awaits Seattle Sounders. The quarterfinals wrap up in Utah, as Real Salt Lake hosts the return leg of its series versus Tigres at Rio Tinto Stadium, at 10 pm ET/8 pm MT.