• America SCORES, Concacaf, and the FIFA Foundation launch new children’s football and education initiative

Miami, FL, (Wednesday, June 5, 2024) – America SCORES is thrilled to announce the expansion of its operations into Miami with the launch of Miami SCORES Powered by Concacaf, the 13th and newest affiliate member of the international nonprofit.

America SCORES is a leading youth development organization providing high-need youth with free after-school programming combining soccer, poetry, and service-learning, serving over 15,000 students annually through this innovative program across 13 cities in North America. The expansion of this new chapter in Miami was made possible through significant support from Concacaf, one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, which is responsible for supporting its 41 member federations to develop the sport at all levels across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

The launch event, held at Earlington Heights Elementary School on Tuesday, June 4, saw the attendance of over 200 students. Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio, who was present at the launch, expressed his excitement about Concacaf’s involvement as the lead program sponsor, stating, “At Concacaf, we believe in the power of soccer – or football as we call it – to inspire and uplift communities. The launch of Miami SCORES Powered by Concacaf is a testament to our commitment to supporting youth development through this beautiful game. We are proud to partner with America SCORES to bring this impactful program to Miami’s young people.”

Also in attendance was Principal Nicolas Jackson Nicolas, who warmly welcomed all attendees to his school, Concacaf Chief Football Officer Jason Roberts, who provided some inspirational words to the children who will benefit from the program, and other local football and educational stakeholders from Miami.

As the 13th location in the SCORES affiliate network, the Miami chapter is strategically positioned at a time of tremendous growth and opportunity, especially with Miami recently hosting Concacaf Gold Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup matches and being a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This significant step underscores America SCORES’ commitment to supporting high-need youth across North America.      

Miami SCORES Powered by Concacaf will see the SCORES soccer and literacy program rolled out in six Title I public schools in the city in the first year and several more thereafter, seeing hundreds of school children in the city benefit from these opportunities.

America SCORES International Executive Director Icy Jones exclaimed, “There could not be a better moment in time to launch our Miami affiliate, especially as America SCORES celebrates its 30th anniversary as a legacy organization of the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The launch of Miami SCORES Powered by Concacaf represents the culmination of 3 decades of community impact and trust across North America.” 

The Miami SCORES chapter will be driven by the newly appointed Executive Director, Rob Uvanovic, who brings a wealth of experience and passion for youth development to the role, having previously led America SCORES New York for five years.

Rob Uvanovic expressed his enthusiasm for the role, explaining, “I am beyond excited and deeply honored to lead Miami SCORES Powered by Concacaf as Executive Director as we open our doors and make a deep impact in the lives of Miami youth as a partner in this community with Concacaf. Thank you, Concacaf, for helping us make Miami SCORES a reality and for your shared commitment to using the beautiful game for good.”

Concacaf’s support for Miami SCORES will be in partnership with the FIFA Foundation, with funding for this groundbreaking initiative made available by the World Football Remission Fund.

For more information about Miami SCORES Powered by Concacaf and how you can get involved, visit www.miamiscores.org.

About America SCORES
America SCORES is a leading youth development organization providing high-need youth in Title I public schools with free after-school programming that combines soccer, poetry, and service learning, serving over 15,000 students annually across 13 cities in North America. More information: www.americascores.org

About Concacaf
The Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA’s six continental confederations, servicing 41 Member Associations, from Canada in the north to Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana in the south. Concacaf means football first. Our members are united by a shared vision: Love For Our Game, as well as a unique mission to develop, promote, and manage football throughout the region with integrity, transparency, and passion in order to inspire participation in the game. Concacaf

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