Save the Dream has given children from underprivileged communities in Los Angeles, California, the chance to play soccer and experience the thrill of attending a Copa America match.
In partnership with the Southern California Youth Soccer Organisation (SCYSO) and the Villa Park Community Center, Save the Dream hosted a soccer clinic, including inspirational sessions, for 100 Latino boys and girls from 8-12 years of age. The following day, the children attended a Copa America match, which saw Mexico defeat Jamaica 2-0, cheering for positive values of sport. Recent articles have emphasised that many children in Southern California, and elsewhere in the US, are unable to participate in organised soccer, due to the financial cost.
Speaking about the initiative executive director of Save the Dream  Massimiliano Montanari said:  “For more than two years, Save the Dream has fully committed itself to take a ball, and with it, educational opportunities, to the outskirts of the world. These outskirts are everywhere, often very close to us. The clinic in Pasadena had an important symbolic value for us and for the families of the children who attended. It was for us an opportunity to understand how we can provide long-term help, in terms of empowering and supporting the work of local NGOs, youth organisations and other expressions of local civil society.”
Executive director of Southern California Youth Soccer Organisation (SCYSO) Joe Supe said: “We were delighted to co-operate with Save the Dream and help reach many children from underprivileged communities. These kids can learn a lot from sport, strengthen self-esteem and respect for the others. We trust this clinic is just the beginning of a solid future co-operation for the good of our kids in Los Angeles and many other cities.”
To coincide with the activities, representatives of Save the Dream held bilateral meetings with the LA Galaxy Foundation, the LAFC Foundation and several NGOs that assist children through sport and education.
Save the Dream is a joint initiative of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) and Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) with the support of Ooredoo, the technology partner.