My family’s charitable foundation is so pleased to help bring the Homeless World Cup US Trials to Washington, DC, from June 27th to June 29th. The games will be played at the new Washington Kastles tennis stadium in downtown DC. Mark Ein, owner of the Kastles, was also an executive producer of our film on this subject called “Kicking It”.
More than 100 homeless players and their coaches and volunteers will be coming to Washington, DC, to participate in this program. There will be tournaments and games to choose the best players to represent the US in the Homeless World Cup to be held in Melbourne, Australia in December of 2008. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for these people and I am hopeful you will come and watch the games.
“Kicking It” will open that same Friday night at the Landmark E Street Cinema and we will bring out the players and staff to one of the premiere screenings. Also, DC United is playing the LA Galaxy on that Sunday and MLS soccer and DC United have invited us and the players to come to the game and be recognized at halftime at RFK Stadium. What a thrill and true synergy to have our film open; DC United playing the LA Galaxy on ABC; and the tournament all scheduled the same weekend! As you know, the film “Kicking It” will debut on ESPN in September of 2008 as well.
I am honored to help this wonderful organization, Street Soccer USA, and the Homeless World Cup all work to help shine a light on homelessness and how a “ball can change your life”. Come on out to the games. Support us. Come on out and see the film at Silverdocs on Saturday or at the Landmark E Street Cinema next weekend.
Tags: Homeless World Cup, Kicking It, SILVERDOCS, Soccer, Street Soccer USA, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take
I totally admire how, given your multiple commitments (Caps, Clearspring, Revolution Card…), you are so personally involved in this movie and Street Soccer / the Homeless Cup (not to mention your other charitable endeavors like Hope Dreams). You’re truly one of a kind!
[...] If you have been reading ML for long enough you know we have been intrigued about the Homeless World Cup going a few years back. When you combine that with our appreciation for documentaries, Kicking It, a documentary about the Homeless World Cup is something we are naturally all over. Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis (his blog is where I found out about the project) produced the film. The movie is in limited release in DC at the moment and will air on ESPN in September. [...]
Hear hear! Ted, the depth of your compasion is an inspiration. Thank you for being such a champion!!